I 




W 1 LL 1 A M K KTT \ ER. 



WHY IT WAS DONE 
AND HOW 



BY 

WILLIAM KETTNER 



^ 



COMPILED BY 
MARY B. STEYLE 

Private Secretary 



'^ 



San Diego, California 
Frye & Smith 

1923 



ETyU 
.K4-3 



Copyrighted 1923 

by 

William Kettner 



OtC 1^1923 



C1A700399 

-^0 I 



Dedicated 

TO MY GOOD WIFE 

Marion M. Kettner 



PREFACE 

For the past four months I have been suffering with 
a severe attack of rheumatism, my left hmb being twice 
its normal size, and the pain it caused seemed exception- 
ally severe at nights, which made sleep out of the ques- 
tion. After trying different springs and sanitariums I 
decided to return to my old home in Julian where I had 
lived some thirty-eight years ago, and actually go to 
work to see if physical exercise could not rid me of it. 

Here in this beautiful site, nearly a mile high, sur- 
rounded by pines, I am building a week-end shack which 
I hope to enjoy with my friends. In the day-time I have 
really labored with the men, not as their boss, but as 
their associate, and outfitted with carpenter's coveralls 
and hammer, my health has become so much better that I 
expect shortly to return to my office. 

On first arriving here my nights were all too long. 
As stated, the rheumatism would not permit me to sleep, 
and in looking for something to do to pass the hours 
of darkness it occurred to me that this might be an 
opportune time to put in writing some of the events 
which had transpired during my eight years in Congress. 
I had just finished reading the memoirs of a personal 
friend of mine, and, as one soon forgets and is soon for- 
gotten in the every-day walks of life, this record may be 
the means of fixing in my own memory and of advising 
others interested, as to how certain things have been 
accomplished. A habit of years has been never to make 
a statement without corroborating it by facts or figures, 

[7] 



strengthening my position as taken. In this instance I 
have had recourse to newspapers, personal letters, and 
government documents to confirm my narration. 

My years in Congress were during a period when 
eventful world history was being made, and contact and 
co-operation with the great men of the emergency, espe- 
cially our beloved President Woodrow Wilson, was a 
real privilege, although it entailed much worry, responsi- 
bility and hard work. 

Many of the more important letters which I appre- 
ciated highly have been so securely put away that I have 
been unable to find them, hence many communications 
which it would give me pleasure to reproduce in these 
pages are missing. The reader must remember that I 
have moved from Washington to San Diego and twice 
in San Diego, and the old adage that "three moves is 
equal to a fire" holds true in my case. 

It gives me happiness to dedicate this sketch to my 
good wife, as she has been so thoroughly a part of all my 
Congressional activities and a constant inspiration to me. 



WHY IT WAS DONE AND HOW 



It was May, 1912. Sylvester C. Smith, of Bakers- 
field, for a number of years had been the Representative 
of the Eleventh Congressional District of California, 
in the United States Congress. He was very ill and not 
expected to live. Dissension had arisen in the Republi- 
can party, which had divided it into what was known as 
the Standpatters and the Progressives. 

The Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of San 
Diego reached the conclusion that the city of San Diego 
was not receiving the recognition from the Congress to 
which it was entitled, and although every one admitted 
Sylvester C. Smith was as fine a man as could be selected 
in California, there was a general feeling that the next 
Representative should come from San Diego. This atti- 
tude resulted in Mr. Lewis R, Kirby, of San Diego, en- 
tering the race for nomination by the Republican party, 
and he was classed as a Standpatter. Mr. Samuel C. 
Evans, of Riverside, known as a Progressive, was also 
seeking the Republican nomination. 

About two months before the primaries, at a direc- 
tor's meeting of the Chamber of Commerce of San 
Diego, of which organization I was a director, I ex- 
pressed my opinion to the effect that Mr, Evans of River- 
side would defeat Mr. Kirby for the nomination. After 
several remarks I was politely informed (if my memory 
serves me rightly, by Mr. John Forward, Jr.) that my 
contention was wrong. However, a week later, at a 
director's meeting, I was asked by several members of 
the Board to seek the Democratic nomination. 

After some discussion by the members I concluded 
that my candidacy would be but a perfunctory one. 
In other words, if Mr. Kirby were nominated I 
should be forgotten; if Mr. Evans were nominated, I 

[9] 



understood from the remarks of my friends, the Stand- 
patters would get behind me. I studied the question 
some few days and decided, after talking it over 
with my partner, Mr. Frank A. Salmons, that it could 
do me no harm, but did not finally determine to enter the 
race. Later, when the fever of politics was overtaking 
me, I wired my partner, who had gone as a delegate to 
the Democratic National Convention in Baltimore, that 
my friends had about talked me into entering the race. 
He wired back immediately for me to get into the race 
by all means. 

The primary election in August resulted as I had 
predicted, and Mr. Evans of Riverside defeated Mr. 
Kirby. When the news came out in the papers that I 
was going to run, I must admit that I was astonished at 
the statements made to me, for it seemed that all of the 
Republicans whom I knew and some whom I did not know 
had been waiting for years for me to run for Congress, 
although some of my very good friends while voting for 
me were betting against me. Of course, it was the idea 
of having a San Diego man in the race, as well as the 
bitterness of the Republicans against the Progressive 
wing, rather than any special feeling for me, that re- 
sulted in my success at the polls. 

After my nomination, the directors and members of 
the Chamber of Commerce of San Diego, almost as a 
body, left the ordinary business of building up the city 
and entered into politics. 

The president, Mr. Frank C. Spalding, and Mr. 
Ruf us Choate, the secretary, actually took the stump and 
openly electioneered for me, although they were both 
strong Republicans. Mr. George Burnham, a director, 
claims that he made his first political speech in my behalf. 

Thus was "thrust upon me" this distinction of serv- 
ing in the Congress of the United States the republic 
that has endured longer than any other in the history of 
the world, and the greatest republic in the world today. 

[10] 



The entire eight years were full of study in an effort to 
get the truth on national matters of great import, too 
often presented to members of Congress from one 
side only. The first four years is remembered by its con- 
structive legislation passed in the shortest possible 
time, such as a tariff law, rural credits law, the federal 
reserve law, the income tax law, good roads law, elec- 
tion of Senators by direct vote, war risk insurance, im- 
portant labor legislation, including Clayton anti-trust 
law, eight-hour day, child labor law, safety of railroad 
employees, and pension laws, including the Sherwood 
pension law, Indian pensions and Spanish War widow's 
pensions. The last four years, with its declaration of 
war and subsequent war legislation, heaped upon us 
much work and worry, the details of which we have 
been glad to forget as much as is possible. Inci- 
dents of these larger national matters I am passing by, 
confining myself to stories of work that intimately con- 
cerns my district of seven counties : San Diego, Imperial, 
Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino, Inyo, and Mono, 
although I consider all naval work done in San Diego 
as of great national importance. This district is as in- 
teresting as any represented in Congress, in that it covers 
an area equal to that of the state of Ohio and deals with 
every Bureau of every Department in Washington. 

"The Travelers Insurance Company 
Hartford, Connecticut. 

Life & Accident Department, 
Irwin J. Muma, Manager. 

Chicago, III, Nov. 13, 1912. 

Hon. William Kettner, Congressman-Elect, 

San Diego, Calif. 
My dear Bill: 

I waited and waited, and then waited some more to get the good 
news of vour election. All the figures that were prmted m the 
Chicago paper showed that the 11th District had been carried by the 
'Progressives', until on last Saturday, the Chicago Post finany prmted 
the good news, as a dispatch from San Francisco. I sent you a 
night wire, which I hope you received Sunday morning, at your 
breakfast table. 

[11] 



In view of the strong Republican sentiment in the 11th District, 
it is a very great honor to have been elected over such a strong rep- 
resentative of the Progressive Party. That eight thousand majority 
in San Diego ought to relieve all doubt in your mind that San JDiego 
is with you almost unanimously. 

Again congratulating you, and predicting that you will represent 
your District in Congress with honor and distinction, both to your 
constituents and yourself, I am, with warm regards, 

Yours sincerely, 

Jerry." 

Harbor Appropriations 

I was soon to learn that the life of a Representative, 
especially from San Diego, was all work and no play. 
A few days after I was elected, the City Council asked 
Mr. Rufus Choate and me to proceed to Washington 
immediately and present the needs of San Diego harbor 
to the Board of Engineers, to the end that it might rec- 
ommend some very badly needed dredging. 

I might add Mr. Choate, as secretary of the Cham- 
ber of Commerce, was one of the best posted men on that 
subject in San Diego. His enthusiasm for the improve- 
ment of San Diego Bay has never slackened, for he is still 
devoting his time and attention to that great subject. 

We hastened to Washington, presented the case to 
the Board of Engineers, and urged our needs. The 
members of the Board informed us that favorable action 
would be taken. 

We returned to San Diego and made our report to 
the Common Council. I was told by Mr. D. K. Adams, 
a member of the Council, that it was pleasing news to 
hear that the U. S. engineers would report favorably, 
but what was wanted was an appropriation. I was asked 
to go right back to Washington and give my attention 
to this matter. 

I returned to Washington, as requested, and found 
that the third session of the 62nd Congress had con- 
vened. This was very helpful in complying with the re- 
quest of my people. Though the report of the Board of 
Engineers had not come through the Government Print- 

[12] 



ing Office, I managed to secure what is known as a 
printer's proof. With that copy Senator John D. Works, 
of California, presented our claim to the Senate, but the 
Senate Commerce Committee did not approve the pro- 
ject, stating that the facts submitted were not sufficient 
to warrant an appropriation. Senator Works and I held 
a conference and he urged me to obtain, if possible, from 
the Secretary of the Navy, or some one in charge of the 
proper Bureau, a statement that naval vessels could not 
enter the port of San Diego. 

I called on the Admiral of the Navy, George Dewey, 
at that time also President of the General Board, who 
listened to our troubles but declined to give me a letter, 
which fact I reported to Senator Works. He insisted 
that it was absolutely necessary that I secure a letter 
from the Secretary of the Navy, or Admiral Dewey, 
with which to convince the Senate Committee. I again 
called on Admiral Dewey, but with the same result. 
When I informed Senator Works of this defeat he 
urged me to see the Secretary of the Navy. This was 
on Saturday. I spent the evening at the Army and Navy 
Club, where I had the pleasure of again meeting Com- 
mander Henry J. Ziegemeier, Commander Walter S. 
Crosley, and Lt. Com. Arthur MacArthur, who were at- 
tached to the General Board of the Navy Department, 
and whom I had met while calling on Admiral Dewey. 
After considerable joking they urged me to go back and 
see the Admiral, though I felt they might be trying to 
have more amusement at my expense. However, Lieut. 
Ziegemeier, now an Admiral in the Navy, seemed so sin- 
cere in his suggestion that I call on Admiral Dewey 
again, that, pondering over the matter during the night, 
I reached the conclusion that they must have overheard 
something in our favor. 

Monday morning bright and early I called on Ad- 
miral Dewey, with the result that he gave me the fol- 
lowing letter: 

[13] 



(Page 13 — Improvement of certain Rivers and Harbors 1873-1916) 

"December 19, 1912. 
From : President General Board, 
To : Secretary of the Navy. 
Subject: Improvement of San Diego Harbor. 

1. Returned. 

2. The geographical situation of San Diego, 450 miles south of 
San Francisco, close to the Mexican border, and the nearest United 
States port to Panama on the Pacific coast, points to its being a fre- 
quent port of call for the Navy as well as for commercial vessels 
when the canal is in operation. The Navy now has a coaling wharf 
at San Diego, and the harbor is used as a base for a part of the drills 
of the Pacific Torpedo Flotilla; the capital ships of the Pacific Fleet 
are at this date engaged in target practice in the immediate vicinity. 
The General Board believes it probable that the naval use of this port 
will increase in the future rather than the reverse. There is room in 
the inner harbor for at least 16 capital ships in quiet, perfectly pro- 
tected water, and there is now a limited coast defense. 

3. For all the reasons outlined above it is desirable that a depth of 
35 feet over the middle ground and 40 feet over the bar be provided 
to permit the entrance at all times to the inner harbor of capital ships 
of the Navy, which will probably draw as much as 32 feet in the next 
designs. The channel opposite the naval coaling wharf should be 
widened and straightened to permit an easy turn of vessels of great 
length and draft. The General Board therefore recommends the sur- 
vey mentioned in paragraph 2 of the letter of the Chief of Engineers. 
The limits of the desired channel are shown on the accompanying 
blue print. 

4. In its letter, No. 404, of March 18, 1909, the General Board ad- 
heres to its 'opinion, heretofore expressed, that it is not good policy, 
economical, or desirable, from a naval standpoint, to establish a naval 
station on the coast of California south of San Francisco.' The ex- 
pressions above regarding the desirability of having the inner harbor 
of San Diego available for capital ships of the Navy are not to be 
taken as a reversal of opinion in this respect. 

(Signed) George Dewey. 
Navy Department, 

December 19, 1912. 
Approved." 

Although this letter does not concede much to San 
Diego or show an opinion that there was any need for 
more naval work south of San Francisco it served its 
purpose. 

I delivered the original to the Secretary of the Navy, 
and took a copy to Senator Works. With this evidence 
Senator Works easily convinced the Commerce Com- 
mittee of the Senate of the merits of this item, and the 

[14] 



House bill was amended by adding an appropriation of 
$249,000 for San Diego. I took this up with Mr. Joseph 
Eugene Ransdale of Louisiana, afterwards U. vS. Sen- 
ator, who was then a leader in the House and a member 
of the Rivers and Harbors Committee, and one of the 
conferees. Mr. Stephen M. Sparkman of Florida, Mr. 
Benjamin G.Humphreys of Mississippi, and Mr. William 
E. Humphrey of Washington, also conferees of the 
House, assured me that if the Engineers' report showed 
the necessity they would agree to the Senate amendment 
in the conference, which they did, and San Diego re- 
ceived a long delayed appropriation to deepen the channel 
crossing the bar into our bay. 

Below is a copy of a letter from Representative 
Sparkman, which shows that I won the friendship of 
that gentleman on the occasion of my fight for our har- 
bor appropriation, although I had not been sworn in as 
a member of the House of Representatives. 

"Committee on Rivers and Harbors 
House of Representatives 

Washington, D. C. 
March 5, 1913. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

House of Representatives, U. S. 

My dear Mr. Kettner: 

Recalling your solicitude for the amendment placed in the River 
and Harbor Bill by the Senate, adopting the project for the im- 
provement of San Diego Harbor, California, as embraced in House 
Document No. 1309, 62nd Congress, 3rd Session, I beg to say that 
the conferees finally agreed upon the plan as therein outlined, con- 
templating a depth of 35 feet on the bar and 32 feet across the middle 
ground at a cost of $208,786, with $19,298 annually for maintenance. 
Estimates vi^ere submitted by the Engineers for a bar channel 40 
feet deep and middle ground channel 35 feet deep within certain limits 
mentioned at a cost of $388,637, but this greater depth was for the 
Navy. The Chief of Engineers reported that the needs of commerce 
would be fully met by the adoption of the first mentioned project 
costing $208,786, and as the river and harbor bills only adopt and 
appropriate for projects in the interest of commerce, the House Con- 
ferees finally acquiesced. It is proper to add that all improvements 
purely for naval purposes are cared for by the Naval Affairs Com- 
mittee of the House of Representatives, the Rivers and Harbors 
Committee never appropriating for such purposes. The estimates 
made by the Engineers in their report for so much of the work as 

[15] 



was eliminated by the conferees from the river and harbor bill were 
no doubt furnished for the use of the Naval Committee whenever it 
should have under consideration the extension and deepening of the 
channel for naval purposes. I may add further that the Rivers and 
Harbors Committee of the House is very friendly to San Diego, as 
they consider it one of the important harbors of the country. 

Trusting the action of the conferees will meet with your ap- 
proval and that of your constituents, and with assurance of regard, 

I am. 

Yours very truly, 

(Signed) S. M. Sparkman." 

The following item appeared in the "San Diego 
Union" Februarys, 1914: 

"Government Re-survey for Harbor probable. _ Committee com- 
mends San Diego's enterprising spirit in appropriating funds. Special 
to the TInion, Washington, Feb. 7.— The Committee on Rivers and 
Harbors went into San Diego's request for a harbor appropriation 
this morning very fully, and listened sympathetically to Congressman 
Kettner's argument for a favorable recommendation, but held that, 
inasmuch as the committee had no recommendation before it from 
the Board of Engineers, which the law makes prerequisite for an 
appropriation by Congress, it could do nothing. The last recommen- 
dation by the Engineers was in 1912, and the project then recom- 
mended was adopted. 

Congressman Kettner has a bill before the Committee providing 
for a re-survey of the harbor, and it was admitted that the commit- 
tee probablv would move, and, it was almost certain, recommend the 
passage of' that bill. The enterprise and activity of San Diego in 
appropriating its own funds for harbor work was admitted and com- 
mended, but it was urged that it was not possible legally to authorize 
any more work until a regular survey should demonstrate the ad- 
visability of further improvement." 

Note: The Rivers and Harbors Committee passed the recom- 
mendation made by Representative Kettner, which became a law. 

The following item appeared in the ''San Diego 
Union" February 18, 1914: 

"Harbor of Sun Survey assured, says Kettner. Rivers and Har- 
bors bill practically certain to contain provision. 
Special to the Union, Washington, D. C, Feb. 17: 

Representative Kettner said today there would be no opposition 
in the House to the proposed survey of San Diego harbor, provided 
for in the rivers and harbors bill. 

The bill will come up for action soon and Mr. Kettner has been 
looking over the situation with reference to the allowance of the San 
Diego survey. He thinks it will undoubtedly be approved by the 
House and Senate. One of the items in the Indian appropriation bill, 

[16] 



which was before the House today, provides for an increase of 
75 pupils, a total of 625 at Sherman Institute, Riverside." 

During the Exposition we had the pleasure of enter- 
taining nearly all of the members of the Board of En- 
gineers. 

The following item appeared in the San Diego 
"Tribune" August 19, 1915: 

"U. S. Engineers arrive here tonight. Induced to come to San 
Diego and inspect harbor by Mayor Capps, Congressman Kettner and 
Heilbron. 

Overlooking San Diego in their itinerary of Pacific coast ports, 
the United States board of engineers was induced at the eleventh 
hour to visit this city for one day and is to arrive here tonight. 

Congressman William Kettner, Mayor E. M. Capps, and Presi- 
dent Carl Heilbron, of the Chamber of Commerce, located the board 
at Los Angeles and made a personal trip to induce the engineers to 
come here. Pullman and hotel reservations for the members of the 
board had to be changed through the efforts of the San Diego men 
before the engineers would consent to break their itinerary. 

Heilbron arrived here from Los Angeles yesterday, and Capps 
and Kettner are due here tonight with the engineers. A banquet and 
sightseeing trip at the exposition is programmed for tonight, and to- 
morrow will be devoted to a harbor program. 

The members of the board who will be here this evening are: 
Col. William Black, Col. Frederick V. Abbott, Col. Lansing H. Beach, 
Col. Harry Taylor, Col. H. C. Newcomer and wife. Col. Thomas H. 
Rees, Lt. Col. E. Eveleth Winslow, MaJ. E. N. Johnston, wife and 
child, Maj. R. R. Raymond and wife, and A. H. Weber, assistant 
engineer and secretary." 

The "San Diego Tribune", August 21, 1915: 

"Way is open for big amount of dredging. Sleeper in last Rivers 
and Harbors Bill maneuvered by Congressman Kettner authorizes big 
task by government provided Congress appropriates funds. Con- 
gressman William Kettner slipped a sleeper into the last Rivers and 
Harbors Bill that authorizes dredging of San Diego bay from the 
whistling buoy to the sloughs of South San Diego. The bill specific- 
ally provides that certain dredging should be done at certain places 
as, for instance, somewhere around the coaling station, and then pro- 
vides further for widening the channel 'wherever necessary'. Kettner 
admitted this fact today, but he would not discuss the bill." 

During my term of office there were three surveys 
granted and the Congress appropriated at four different 
times something over $1,100,000 for San Diego. The 
result has been that the largest ships of the navy may 

[17] 



now come over the bar, as was demonstrated particularly 
when Admiral Hugh Rodman visited us on his flagship 
the U. S. S. "New Mexico" and Captain H. J. Ziege- 
meier brought in the U. S. S. "California". The last 
survey granted was in House document No. 1000, on 
the authority of which the engineers are still acting. 

A few days ago I visited San Diego to be present at 
the turning of the first dirt at the Y. M. C. A. building. 
I was quite pleased to see this headline in the "San Diego 
Sun" of October 6, 1923: 

"U. S. to Spend Huge Sum on Local Harbor." 
This has been made possible by one of my last official 
acts in Congress. The Chief of Engineers, my good 
friend General Lansing H. Beach, could not have made 
this allotment had it not been for the survey which I 
had included in the Rivers and Harbors bill in the last 
session of the 66th Congress. 



[18] 



FIRST HOME-COMING 



"The San Diego Union", October 29, 1913, ran an 
article on my home-coming. I was met in Oceanside by 
a special train, carrying a band and a great number of 
my friends. They rode with me to San Diego where 
there was an immense parade and Mrs. Kettner and I 
were taken to the U. S. Grant hotel to a reception given 
in our honor. 

Little Irma Sofer sang, ''I Love You, California", 
and all joined in the chorus. Many speeches were made. 
Mr. John D. Spreckels gave the following short speech: 

"I am glad to be here tonight. I am glad to be a part of a body 
of citizens to do honor to William Kettner. I like him because he is 
loyal. I greatly admire loyalty. It is a trait in any man to be com- 
mended. I, myself, always reward a man who has been loyal in my 
interests, and William Kettner should have another term in Congress 
for proving his loyalty to the district which he represents. I'm sorry 
he is not a good old-fashioned Republican, as I am. However, for 
a Democrat he comes nearer being a Republican than anyone I know." 

Mr. Spreckels read a statement from Hon. C. F. 
Curry, a representative from California, as follows: 

"Mr. Kettner, the member of Congress from San Diego, has a 
great deal of influence and is a good hard worker." 

The following telegram was sent to President Wood- 
row Wilson: 

"Five hundred citizens of the Eleventh California congressional 
district assembled at a banquet in honor of Congressman Kettner, 
send greetings and assure you that without reference to political party 
we endorse and approve William Kettner as the true exponent and 
representative of California and of the best thought of the Eleventh 
Congressional district. We predict for him a long and useful career 
at Washington and to that end we, his constituents. Democrats and 
Republicans, labor in a non-partisan effort. 

F. J. Lea, President, 
Chamber of Commerce." 

[19.] 



On the editorial page of "The San Diego Union", 
October 29, 1913. 

"Kettner's Home Coming 

"That was a thoroughly merited tribute that San Diego paid to 
Representative Kettner last evening, and it was the more fitting be- 
cause it was strictly non-partisan. During the few months that have 
elapsed since he took his seat in the House, Mr. Kettner has demon- 
strated to his constituents in this city and elsewhere that they have 
a strong man in Congress who is able to achieve results. In ad- 
vancing the interests of San Diego harbor and in other matters af- 
fecting this city and other parts of the eleventh district, Mr. Kettner 
may be truthfully said to have 'made good' almost from the day 
when he took his seat in the House, and his influential standing in 
that body is evidenced by the fact that at the very outset of his con- 
gressional career he was chosen a member of the rivers and harbors 
committee, a distinction rarely conferred on a new congressman. 

Naturally the home coming of the representative who has made 
so excellent a record in serving his constituents was the occasion of 
congratulations and greetings, and in these, as was only proper, Re- 
publicans joined as heartily as Democrats. All desired to let Mr. 
Kettner know that his services are appreciated and that he has the 
good wishes of voters of all parties. It is not doubted that the en- 
thusiastic tribute that was paid to the representative last evening con- 
vinced him that this community places a high value upon the fidelity 
and efficiency that he has displayed so conspicuously at Washington." 



[20] 







'^ 



^.(Ol^^O 



Jp9*-1^JUM>dt>&<l>*^'^\/<t^ 



COALING STATION AND FUEL OIL 
STATION 

The reader will remember the letter received from 
Admiral Dewey, the original of which I had delivered 
personally to the Secretary of the Navy, and copies of 
which had been used in obtaining an appropriation for 
dredging the harbor. With that letter and other infor- 
mation which I was able to gather, I persuaded the Sec- 
retary that the coaling station in San Diego should be 
completed. The Secretary pushed the button and asked 
his aide to send in his advisers. They talked it over and 
agreed that it would be wise foresight to provide a 
coaling station at San Diego, with the result that the 
Secretary recommended $95,000 for that purpose. 

A coaling station had been started in San Diego in 
1898, and the pier partially completed. The second ap- 
propriation by Congress for carrying on this work for 
some reason or other had been transferred to California 
City and the work abandoned. This was the situation 
when I went to Washington in 1913. 

On February 13, 1914, I appeared before the Naval 
Affairs Committee of the House and brought our needs 
to the attention of the committee. At that time I read a 
portion of Admiral Dewey's letter. Because of the use 
of this letter the second time Admiral Dewey jokingly 
remarked that I had double-crossed him, since I secured 
two appropriations on the strength of it. However, we 
were good friends and he was more than helpful when- 
ever I had occasion to call upon him. 

Through my appeal to the committee and the recom- 
mendation of the Secretary we secured an appropriation 
of $45,000 for completion of the coal wharf and one for 
$50,000 for a fuel oil station, which was the start of our 
great coaling and fuel oil station of today. 

[21] 



The following item appeared, on the editorial page 
of the "San Diego Union", February 27, 1914. 

"Kettner's Work For the Harbor 

"Reference has already been made in these columns to the pur- 
pose of the navy department to complete the San Diego coaling sta- 
tion, as indicated by provisions included in the naval appropriation 
bill. It may be mentioned now^ that Representative Kettner has been 
doing some very effective work to secure the incorporation, in that 
bill, of the navy department's recommendations for the improvement 
of the station. These are $50,000 for oil storage plant and $45,000 for 
the superstructure. At a hearing given by the house committee on 
naval affairs, a few daj^s ago, Mr. Kettner made an exceedingly able 
presentation of the matter as will be seen from some excerpts from 
the official report of the proceedings. To quote: 

Mr. Kettner : I thought it might be well, Mr. Chairman, for me 
to appear before your committee and give you a few facts regarding 
San IDiego and the coaling station which was started in 1900. The 
department saw the wisdom of having a coaling station in Southern 
California and they set aside $200,000 in 1904, I believe, and completed 
the docks. I think it would be safe to say that they have one of the 
finest wharves there that you will find anywhere in the country, but 
for some reason or other, which I have never been able to find out, 
they never did complete the coaling station. I have learned, or 
rather understood, from the department that money had been set 
aside to complete it in 1909, but it was diverted elsewhere. I pre- 
sume circumstances arose that made it necessary. 

But to give you an idea of what the department thinks of San 
Diego, I will quote from a letter written by Admiral Dewey to the 
general board. 

Mr. Britten: May I ask how much of that $200,000 was spent? 

Mr. Kettner : It was all spent. 

The Chairman: In the construction of piers? 

Mr. Kettner : On the piers. 

Mr. Britten: They merely got as far as the piers? 

Mr. Kettner: Yes; and stopped. 

Mr. Britten: And built no part of the superstructure? 

Mr. Kettner: No superstructure at all. That is what this rec- 
ommendation is for and that is what I am speaking for now. 

This is a quotation from the letter of Admiral Dewey to the army 
engineering board dated December, 1912. 

'The geographical situation of San Diego, 450 miles south of San 
Francisco, close to the Mexican border and the nearest United States 
port to Panama on the Pacific coast, points to its being a frequent 
port of call for the navy as well as for commercial vessels when the 
canal is in operation. The navy now has a coaling wharf at San 
Diego and the harbor is used as a base for a part of the drills of the 
Pacific torpedo flotilla ; the capital ships of the Pacific fleet are at this 
date engaged in target practice in the immediate vicinity. The gen- 
eral board believes it probable that the naval use of this port will 

[22] 




w,tA 



"1 Y u ^ u Ci I oi-czf/n-ps 




Tan. I'- 19^^ 



increase in the future rather than the reverse. There is room in 
the inner harbor for at least sixteen capital ships in quiet, perfectly 
protected water, and there is now a limited coast defense.' 

That is from Admiral Dewey to the board of army engineers. 
So I think there is no doubt regarding the harbor. 

Colonel Taylor, a few days ago, when he was before your com- 
mittee, stated when I asked him what he thought of San Diego har- 
bor, that it is one of the finest harbors of this country; he said it 
was first class. We have a depth of 35 feet at low water and the 
bay is 22 square miles in area. 

The chairman of the committee. Representative Lemuel P. 
Padgett of Tennessee, questioned Mr. Kettner closely as to the depth 
and other dimensions of the harbor, thus: 

The Chairman : What is the width of the basin that has 30 feet 
of water? 

Mr. Kettner: Well, at the pier it is 570 feet, and as you cross 
the bar it is 600, and then it widens out to 800 and after you get in 
farther it is 1000. I do not know just how wide it is, but at the wharf 
where the big vessels of the Hawaiian line land — they draw 28 to 30 
feet of water — it is about two miles from the entrance. 

The Chairman : What I am trying to get at is whether you could 
give us some idea of the dimensions of the bay in there that would 
have water sufficiently deep to anchor large vessels — how large an 
area. 

Mr. Kettner: As Admiral Dewey states, there is room there for 
sixteen capital ships. 

Mr. Kettner was asked by Mr. Roberts to explain the 'limited 
coast defense' of San Diego harbor, to which reference was made 
in Admiral Dewey's letter. In reply Mr. Kettner explained what had 
been done and what was contemplated to fortify this port. The 
hearing then turned on the present condition of the coaling station. 
To quote again : 

: I think they have about 9000 tons there. 

At the present time? 

: Yes. 

Yes. And that is dumped on the shore. 

Is that coal all stored in the open? 

It is all stored in the open ; yes, sir. 

Do you propose to store it in the open if you get 

No. 

Then this $45,000 is to reconstruct the colliers? 

Yes; to complete the plant. 

I supposed that $45,000 was to handle it. 

To handle it; I presume to store it. 

The substructure is already in? 
Yes ; the substructure has already been completed. 
: It is spoken of there as a steel coal tower. 
Yes. 

[23] 



The Chairman 


Mr. 


Kettner : 


The 


; Chairman 


Mr. 


Kettner : 


Mr. 


Roberts : 


Mr. 


Kettner : 


Mr. 


Roberts : 


the colliers? 


Mr. 


Kettner : 


Mr. 


Roberts : 


Mr. 


Kettner : 


Mr. 


Roberts : 


Mr. 


Kettner : 


Mr. 


Stephens : 


Mr. 


Kettner : 


The 


Chairman : 


Mr. 


Kettner : ' 



Mr. Williams : Mr. Kettner, before you retire, these two items 
you mention here you are not wishing to change? 

The Chairman: To hold them in? 

Mr. Kettner : I wanted to hold them in ; I wanted to show the 
way we felt about it in San Diego. 

It would not be practical to reproduce the entire proceedings of 
the hearing. But sufficient has been quoted to show that Mr. Kettner 
made out a strong case. There is every reason for confidence that 
the San Diego coaling station items will be in the naval appropriation 
bill as it shall be finally passed." 

Editorial in "The San Diego Union", Friday morn- 
ing, May 15, 1914. 

"On the Naval Map 

"There is now every indication that San Diego will fare as well 
in the naval appropriation bill as was predicted by Representative 
Kettner. The measure, as passed bv the House a week ago, included 
$50,000 for a fuel oil depot and $45,000 for the tower at the coaling 
station. Each of these items has place in the bill that has just been 
reported to the Senate by the naval affairs committee. Ordinarily it 
would be unsafe to predict what the senate might or might not do 
with these two appropriations. But in view of the value of San Diego 
harbor for naval purposes — which has been made especially prominent 
during the later phases of the Mexican trouble — there appears little 
room to doubt that the money required to place the coaling station 
in condition for efficient service, and to provide the fuel oil depot 
which is equally needed for the navy, will have been provided in the 
bill when it shall have been finally passed." 



[24] 



^ X 



£ ^ 




APPOINTMENT ON RIVERS AND 
HARBORS COMMITTEE 

While in Washington, before being sworn in as Rep- 
resentative, I learned that the incoming president, Mr. 
Woodrow Wilson, would call the Congress in extraor- 
dinary session some time in April. As the River and 
Harbor bill did not go through the Congress until the 
third of March, I decided to stay in Washington and get 
acquainted with the members of the Congress and officials 
of the Departments during the interval. It was fortu- 
nate that I did so. I was extremely lucky in becoming ac- 
quainted with Mr. Oscar Underwood, now U. S. Senator, 
then leader of the House, and Mr. John Garner of Texas, 
a whip of the House. With the assistance of these two 
friends and other members of the Ways and Means Com- 
mittee upon whom I called almost daily, I was success- 
ful in nosing out the fact that Mr. William D. Stephens, 
later Governor of California, was also seeking appoint- 
ment on the Rivers and Harbors Committee. I met all of 
the leaders and persuaded them that it was absolutely nec- 
essary that I be appointed to the Rivers and Harbors 
Committee if they wished to retain the Eleventh Con- 
gressional District in the Democratic column. We were 
both held in suspense for several days, but when the 
committees were announced my name appeared as a 
member of the Rivers and Harbors Committee. 

"The Chamber of Commerce 
OF San Diego County 

San Diego, Cal., June 7, 1913. 
Hon. Wm. Kettner, Congressman, 
806 House Office Building, 
Washington, D. C. 

Dear Sir: 

The Chamber of Commerce of San Diego by vote of its Board 
of Directors, hereby conveys to you the deep appreciation of the 

[25] 



Chamber for the splendid results you have secured for San Diego 
and for California. We most heartily realize and value the good 
work you have done, and are doing, and desire to compliment you on 
the fact that your ability has been so signally recognized in Wash- 
ington, as evidenced by the fact of your appointment on the Rivers 
and Harbors Committee. 

Please accept our very best expressions of esteem and confidence. 
This district has every reason to feel proud of its representation in 
Washington. 

Sincerely yours, 
Chamber of Commerce of San Diego County. 

F. J. Lea, President. 
Wm. Tomkins, Secretary." 

Tariff. 

The Congress was called in special session April 7, 
1913, to revise the tariff. We were in session all sum- 
mer and I enjoyed the wonderful experience of fighting 
for the agricultural products of our state. 

It was illuminating to me to find that the Republicans 
of the East were against a tariff on lemons and that the 
importers had raised an enormous sum to be used in 
lobbying for a low tariff on many of our California 
products, especially citrus fruits and their by-products. 

I fought continuously for a tariff' on lemons, wal- 
nuts, oranges, in fact all of our fruits that needed pro- 
tection. The various organizations representing the dif- 
ferent agricultural products of our State sent their com- 
mittees to Washington. I think they will all agree that 
I did everything in my power to assist and secured an 
extension of the time considered by the Ways and Means 
Committee as necessary for this comparatively small 
item of a tariff bill. Whereas ten minutes had been 
allotted the California men in which to present their 
reasons for a sufffcient tariff and to file their detailed in- 
formation they were allowed over an hour. 

I attach a copy of a letter written to me by Mr. C. C. 
Chapman, of Fullerton, also one by Mr. R. C. Allen, 
President of the Lemon Men's Club of Southern Cali- 
fornia. 

[26] 




^' 



7o /rh^ u^U^c^^ ZtiT^t.,^ , 

/t^-///6- ^— ^f— /---- ^5^<^^^^^^^ 



"Charles C. Chapman 

Fullerton, Cal. 

June 4, 1913. 

Hon. William Kettner, 

Washington, D. C. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

Mr Powell has written about your efficient services in behalf of 
the citrus industry. He says you have rendered such services as no 
other man at the present time could have rendered m our behall. i 
want to tell vou we appreciate this very much and hope that you wi 
be able to hold the situation where it seems to be today, for that will 
mean much for us in helping along in competition with the foreigner. 

Again thanking you, I am, 

Sincerely yours, 

Charles C. Chapman." 



"Lemon Men's Club of Southern California 

Bonita, Cal., August 9, 1913. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

Washington, D. C. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

I know that it will be a satisfaction to you to know that at our 
meeting of the Lemon Men's Club, Wednesda}', Mr. G. Harold Powell 
in his report of his work at Washington told us that except for your 
efforts lemons would have gone on the free list. I am sure that it 
is not necessary for me to tell you how much all we lemon growers 
appreciate the hard work and interest that you have shown in our 
case I hope that our item will go through the Senate without further 
hitch, but however that may be the credit to you will be the same. 

With kind regards, 

Yours very truly, 

(Signed) R. C. Allen, 
President." 

Letter sent to fellow citrus growers by C. C. Teagiie, 
of Santa Paula, dated Jan. 31, 1921 : 

"I have just returned from Washington where I have been in 
the interest of a tariff on citrus fruits and walnuts. While there I 
had several conferences with Mr. Kettner. He is very much inter- 
ested in our lemon tariff and has been doing and will continue to 
do a lot of valuable work for us. He is particularly well able to 
take this matter up with the Democratic members of Congress and, 
inasmuch as there seems to be a realignment of the protectionist 
forces in Congress, Mr. Kettner can do a lot of good. 

The New England states could formerly be depended upon as 
being favorable to a protective tariff, but many of them have gotten 
into a position where they have an eye on foreign trade and have 
goods for export and are, therefore, a little more inclined toward 

[27] 



free trade doctrines than formerly. On the other hand, the Democrats 
of the South want protection on many of their products. 

I believe that we are in a splendid position to get good consid- 
eration. Our briefs were well prepared and well presented in marked 
contrast to most other industries. 

I thought that you would be interested in this statement from me 
inasmuch as Mr. Kettner is from your district." 

Additional District Judgeship and Early 
Appointments. 

One of the first appointments endorsed by me, shortly 
after I was elected, was that of Federal Attorney for the 
Southern District of California. The reader will re- 
member I have already stated that we had no Democratic 
Senator at that time. I naturally received a great many 
letters recommending different ones. I was strongly in 
favor of my friend Albert Schoonover, but as he was 
not a seeker for the place it was very hard indeed for 
me. Mr. Archie Campbell, from San Luis Obispo, had 
received the endorsement of most of the county com- 
mittees of the State, as well as that of the state chairman, 
and Mr. Anthony Caminetti, who was representing the 
Democratic party to a large extent in Washington at 
that time, added his strong influence. 

After Mr. Schoonover finally consented to accept the 
office if tendered him, the U. S. Attorney General de- 
cided in favor of Mr. Archie Campbell, as he had the 
preponderance of recommendations, and sent Mr. Camp- 
bell's name to the President. I appeared personally be- 
fore the President, explaining that Southern California 
south of the Tehachapi was entitled to some recognition 
in the distribution of federal positions, and the President 
felt that I was right. He returned Mr. Campbell's name 
to the U. S. Attorney General, the Hon. J. C. McRey- 
nolds. Mr. McReynolds then sent Mr. Schoonover's 
name to the President, who in turn recommended it and 
forwarded it to the U. S. Senate, where he was con- 
firmed. I am pleased to say that he filled the office with 
honor to himself and to the government which he served. 

[28] 



"The White House 
Washington 

June 30, 1913. 
My dear Mr. Kettner : 

I have received, through your Secretary, your letter of the 
twenty-eighth of June, enclosing the letter signed by Congressmen 
Raker and Church, and yourself, regarding Mr. Albert Schooiiover of 
San Diego, California. I will hand this endorsement to the President 
at the earUest possible moment. 

Yours very truly, 

J. P. Tumulty, 
Hon. William Kettner, Secretary to the President. 

House of Representatives." 

Early in my first term, I was notified that the State 
Bar Association had passed a resolution to the effect 
that the Federal Courts were overcrowded and it was 
imperative that we should have another Federal Judge 
in Southern California, and accordingly I introduced 
the bill providing for an additional judge. 

With the assistance of the Hon. William D. Stephens 
we got the bill through the Judiciary Committee. Later 
on I brought it up on the floor of the House, under the 
unanimous consent calendar. I had so thoroughly ex- 
plained the situation and shown the need of another 
judge in Southern California by giving the increased 
population, and the accumulation of unheard cases, that 
there was no objection on the Republican side. This 
was so unusual that Dr. Martin D. Foster, a Democrat 
of Illinois, objected for the time being, but when I ex- 
plained matters to him the following day the bill passed 
the House by unanimous consent. 

As we had no Democratic Senator at that time, the 
appointment was more or less left in the hands of the 
only Democratic Representative of Southern California, 
and I had the pleasure of presenting numerous recom- 
mendations of my friend Judge Benjamin F. Bledsoe, 
and of detailing his splendid, good qualities. After some 
delay the President finally sent Judge Bledsoe's name to 
the Senate where it was approved. 

[29] 



"Office of the Attorney General 
Washington, D. C. 

August 20, 1914. 
Hon. William Kettner. 
Dear Mr. Congressman : 

I thank you very much indeed for your good aid in an effort to 
find the proper man for United States District Judge in the Southern 
District of California. I am in hearty accord with you in thinking 
that this is a position of unusual importance and that it should be 
filled by a man of high attainments. 

The wonderful growth of California and the corresponding in- 
crease of business in the courts there will require the best efforts of 
a judge of approved ability. 

With high regard, faithfully yours, 

J. C. McReynolds, Attorney-General." 

The following is a letter from Mr. Carroll Allen 
which is self-explanatory: 

"Law Office of Carroll Allen 

April 12, 1923. 
Stock Exchange Building, Los Angeles. 

Hon. William Kettner, 

Spreckels Building, 

San Diego, California. 
Dear Mr. Kettner: 

In 1915 or 1914, when an additional Federal Judge was provided 
for in this district, I went to Washington representing the Bar Asso- 
ciation, or at least a great many members of the Bar, on behalf of 
Mr. Lynn Helm, who was a candidate for that appointment. 

My recollection is that Mr. Helm had the endorsement of the 
greater part of the Bar of Southern California, as well as a large 
number of party leaders and business men. We thought he was 
entitled to this appointment by reason of his party services and ability, 
and we firmly believed, on account of his having been a classmate of 
President Wilson, that would also add to the strength of his position. 

It is my understanding that you procured the appointment of 
Judge Bledsoe, notwithstanding the overwhelming strength and in- 
fluence of Mr. Helm. How you were able to accomplish this has 
always been a mystery to all of Mr. Helm's friends. VVe all have 
one consolation, however, and that is that Judge Bledsoe is the high- 
est possible type of man and a splendid judge. 

With kind personal regards. 

Yours truly, 

(Signed) Carroll Allen." 

The position of Collector of the Port at Los Angeles 
was filled also before we had a Democratic Senator, and 
it was my pleasure to endorse Mr. John B. Elliott; as it 

[30] 




/^.e^^Z^ A /^ ^' <fy 



was also to add my endorsement to others submitted for 
the appointment of Mr. Tom Walton as U. S. Marshal. 

Another appointment which came up shortly after I 
was elected was that of Internal Revenue Collector. The 
reader will remember that I spoke of Senator John D. 
Works and the wonderful assistance he gave us in 
amending" the Rivers and Harbors bill. In fact he was 
always ready to assist me, and he afterwards so strongly 
recommended Mr. John P. Carter that I added my recom- 
mendation to his, for which act I have never been sorry, 
as Mr. Carter proved a loyal representative of the gov- 
ernment. He made for himself a record for efficient and 
courteous service. 

Another appointment on being sworn in as a mem- 
ber of the House of Representatives was that of 
a bright young boy with big blue eyes who used to sell 
papers on the corner of Fifth and Broadway. While I 
was making my first campaign with little hope of elec- 
tion in this Republican district, Harold Cooney was so 
earnest that he made me promise I would give him the 
appointment to West Point in the event of my election. 

Of course I kept my word and Harold is now a 
Captain in the Regular Army of the United States. 

Thereafter I held competitive examinations and the 
best boy won. 

It is a source of great gratification to me to learn of 
the good records that have been made and are being 
made by lads that I have appointed to West Point and 
Annapolis. My last appointees are still in school, and 
their zeal in their studies and their enthusiasm for the 
service in which they have enlisted, is a rebuke to the 
older person prone to become a bit cynical as the years 
go by. 

The following is a list of my West Point boys : 

Harold A. Cooney, Townsend Griffiss, Robert G. 
Lovett, Paul L. Weitfle, Perry W. Brown. 

[31] 



Naval Academy Appointments: 

Sydney J. Wynne, William R. Cushman, Jr., Clem- 
ent F. Cotton, Charles D. Wheelock, Dale Quarton, 
Richard W. Dole, Osgood S. Lovekin, William A. 
Hickey, Elmer C. Buerkle, Everett P. Newton, Jr. 

In this connection I quote from the San Diego Sun, 
April 4, 1914. 

"Local Newsboy Winning Honors at West Point. 

Friends of Harold Cooney, the popular newsboy who was re- 
cently appointed to West Point by Congressman Kettner, today re- 
ceived word that the boy had passed the examination with the best 
mark in his class. 

For years Cooney's bright face attracted attention at Fifth and 
Broadway, where he sold papers. Because of his personality and his 
ability as a business man Mr. Kettner gave the boy the much desired 
appointment. Reports received concerning his records since entering 
the institution indicate that he is already making good." 

Re-Christening the California. 

The following is a letter from Josephus Daniels, 
Secretary of the Navy, concerning the naming of the 
U. S. S. San Diego: 

"Navy Department 

Washington, August 1, 1914. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

I have the honor to inform you that on September 1st the name 
of the United States armored cruiser CALIFORNIA will be changed 
to the U S. S. San Diego. The name California has been assigned to 
the new battleship, No. 40, authorized by the last Naval Appropria- 
tion Act. 

Sincerely yours, 
(Signed) Josephus Daniels." 

The California was re-christened September 16, 
1914, in San Diego. Quite a gathering of citizens of 
San Diego, officers of the service, and others were pres- 
ent. A canvas was over the stern and when removed 
the name appeared "San Diego". Captain Arthur^ S. 
Cowan of the United States Army was then commanding 
North Island and came over from there in the one sea- 

[32] 



plane they had to take part in the ceremonies. A barbe- 
cue for the men of the San Diego was held that day and 
there was a general celebration. Captain Ashley H. 
Robertson, now Rear Admiral, Commandant of the 11th 
California district, stationed at San Diego, was in com- 
mand of the San Diego. As the flagship of Rear Ad- 
miral Thomas P. Howard, it went down the Mexican 
Coast as a tangible example of what Uncle Sam could 
produce in case conditions became too much unsettled, 
but was returned to San Diego for the opening of the 
Exposition. 

The following is an extract from a letter written to 
me by Mr. G. Aubrey Davidson, September 16, 1914: 

"I have just come from the exercises, incident to the re- 
christening of the CaHfornia, and I want to compliment you, very- 
much indeed, on your work, which brought about the result of 
having this fine ship named after this City. Captain Robertson 
told us, today, there was only one other city which had the honor 
of having a capital ship bear her name and that was the City of 
Pittsburg. I feel that this was due entirely to the work of Con- 
gressman Kettner in Washington, and you deserve all the credit 
that it is possible to give anyone. Mayor O'Neall gave you credit 
for the accomplishment in his speech on board ship this morning." 



"The Secretary of the Navy 

Washington, October 9th, 1914. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

It is most gratifying to your friends in Washington who have 
watched with pleasure and interest your growing influence in the 
national House of Representatives, to know that your people at 
home entertain for you the same high opinion which your course 
has won for you in Washington. 

I am glad to see from the reports of the primaries that your 
home county showed its appreciation of you by registering an 
unprecedented large vote, and this vote came, not alone from 
members of your own party but from Progressives and Repub- 
licans as well who put a proper value upon the great things you 
have done for your district. 

Since my visit to San Diego early in my term, I have been 
very glad to co-operate with you in translating into realitj^ j^our 
vision of making San Diego an important naval base. It gave 
me real pleasure to comply with your earnest request to give 
to one of our finest cruisers the name of San Diego and to make 
other orders that will insure the growing importance of San 
Diego in all naval affairs on the Pacific. 

[33] 



With sentiments of esteem and high regard, and trusting to 
have the pleasure of working with you in the coming Congress 
for the development of the Pacific Coast and for a greater base 
for the Navy at San Diego, I am. 

Very sincerely yours, 

(Signed) Josephus Daniels. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

House of Representatives." 

Kelp Maps. 

Concerning the appropriation of $7,000 for the pub- 
lication of maps showing the location of kelp beds along 
the Pacific Coast, my readers may be interested in learn- 
ing how this was accomplished. 

Along the Pacific coast there is a luxurious growth 
of "giant kelps". For years Mr. David M. Balch of 
Coronado had made a study of these kelps and had 
pointed out their great possible value. When the gov- 
ernment authorized two preliminary surveys made of 
the kelp beds on the California coast, Professor W. C. 
Crandall, a prominent member of the stafif of the Scripps 
Biological Institute of the University of California, at 
La Jolla, was placed in charge of one of these surveys. 
Colonel Charles Rader of San Diego, with fine public 
spirit, placed his yacht, the Paxinosa, at the disposal of 
the governmental investigators, and Professor W. E. 
Ritter, Director of the Scripps Biological Institute, put 
at their command the resources of that excellent institu- 
tion. When the work was practically completed it was 
discovered that no appropriation had been made to have 
these valuable results published and maps made. 

I took up the question with the Bureau of Soils, and 
through the courtesy of Mr. Frank Cameron, soil chem- 
ist of the Department of Agriculture, at Washington, 
D. C, arrived at the full facts in detail. I thereupon in- 
troduced a bill on December 16, 1913, asking for $7,000 
with which to complete this work, by printing and pub- 
lishing the maps and reports already prepared. 

[34] 



Years afterward, as a result of the passage of this 
item, San Diego was favored by having the Hercules 
Powder Company establish its large powder and ferti- 
lizer plant below National City. 

Swift and Company also established a plant at the 
foot of "E" Street in the City of San Diego, for the pro- 
duction of potash for fertilizing from kelp products. 

My bill was not incorporated in the Agricultural bill, 
but Senator Miles Poindexter, at my request, amended 
the bill in the Senate, and I think that our own Colonel 
Fred Jewell of San Diego, who happened to be in Wash- 
ington, will perhaps remember the dinner given at a 
cafe there on the night that we persuaded Represent- 
ative Frank Lever, Chairman of the Agricultural Com- 
mittee of the House, to permit our item to remain in the 
bill in the conference. 

"United States Senate, 
Hon. William Kettner, 

House of Representatives. 
Dear Mr. Kettner: 

I was gratified to see that the House conferees agreed to the 
Senate amendment appropriating Seven Thousand ($7,000) dollars 
for publishing maps and information relating to kelp beds on the 
Pacific Coast. I do not believe this successful result would have 
been brought about without your energetic and vigorous work 
in the House and especially your influence with the House con- 
ferees on the Agricultural Appropriation Bill. I take this means 
of expressing my appreciation, and, in view of the importance 
of this appropriation as an aid to opening up a great new industry 
on the Pacific Coast, I am sure that the people of the Coast will 
likewise appreciate your services. 

With kind regards, very truly yours, 

Miles Poindexter." 



[35] 



SAN DIEGO EXPOSITION 



The San Diego Exposition, while it had raised $7,- 
000,000, much of which had already been spent in build- 
ings and horticultural plans, had never been recognized 
by the U. S. Government. Possibly due to the necessity 
of being in Washington on harbor matters and thus 
becoming acquainted before I was sworn in as a mem- 
ber of Congress, it was possible for me, a green mem- 
ber from a town so little known that it appeared in the 
first Congressional Directory as "Santiago", to be the 
father of the second law passed in that Congress, Public 
No. 2. This gave the Treasury Department, Post Office 
and the Immigration Bureau the authority required 
upon which to function properly concerning the fair. 
Mr. D. C. Roper, First Assistant Postmaster General 
ordered the proper stamps, inscribed *Tanama-Cali- 
fornia Exposition-San Diego-1915", to be used at the 
different post offices. 

During 1916 San Diego continued its wonderful fair, 
and at the close of the exposition in San Francisco I in- 
troduced a bill which passed in the first two weeks of 
the Congress and was signed as Public Resolution No. 1. 
This transferred $76,000 unexpended at the close of the 
San Francisco Fair, as well as most of the government's 
exhibits, to San Diego, and made applicable to San Diego 
all the laws in force in San Francisco relating to foreign 
exhibits. 

In my long residence in Southern California in San 
Diego I cannot recall anything that aided San Diego so 
much and so directly as the 1915-1916 Exposition, and I 
am very happy to state that I had a small part in making 
this wonderful fair a success. I repeat from "McGrew's 
History of San Diego" what Mr. G. A. Davidson says 
regarding my work: 

[36] 



"Great credit for the success of the Exposition must be given 
also to Congressman Kettner. It must be remembered that after 
we made up plans in which the Federal Government was con- 
cerned, it was he who put them through as far as Washington 
was concerned. For that alone San Diego owes him many thanks. 
To use another baseball term, we should never have got past 
first base if it hadn't been for Kettner." 



"Post Office Department 

First Assistant Postmaster General 

Washington 

July 1, 1913. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

House of Representatives. 
My dear Sir: 

With reference to j^our call at the Department of the 30th 
ultimo, at which time you presented papers relative to the Panama- 
California Exposition to be held in San Diego, California, in 1915, 
and requested that the postmaster of San Diego be provided with 
a special postmarking stamp for advertising the exposition, I 
have to inform you that in view of the fact that the exposition 
was officially recognized by Act of Congress, May 10, 1913 (H. 
R. 4234), a special die reading "Panama-California Exposition — 
San Diego — 1915," has been ordered, and it will be forwarded to 
the postmaster as soon as it can be manufactured. 
The papers left by you are herewith returned. 
Very truly yours, 

Daniel C. Roper, 

First Assistant Postmaster General." 



"The Postmaster General 
Washington 

August 21, 1914. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

House of Representatives. 
My dear Kettner: 

I beg to acknowledge your letter of August 4th, enclosing 
a copy of a letter which you sent to the President concerning 
the Exposition of next year to be held at San Diego, California. 

I think that the reasons set forth in your letter to the Presi- 
dent for holding an exposition at San Diego are good, and I am 
very glad to learn that arrangements for this Exposition have 
been consummated. I believe that the size and importance of 
that city entitled it to some recognition as an important part of 
the celebration on the occasion of the great Panama-Pacific Ex- 
position when the Fleet goes through the Panama Canal and up 
the Pacific coast next year. 

I shall be glad to contribute in any way I can to encourage 
the energy and industry of the splendid people of San Diego by 
aiding in accomplishing what they desire. 

[37] 



I hope to have the pleasure of seeing this great Exposition 
next year and that you, as our representative, will help me to 
enjoy it. 

With assurances of regard and best wishes, I am. 
Very sincerely yours, 

A. S. Burleson, 
Postmaster General." 



"War Department 
The Adjutant General's Office, 
Washington. 

March 2, 1915. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

House of Representatives. 
Sir: 

Referring further to your letter of February 27, 1915, in re- 
gard to the detail of a cavalry band for duty at the Panama- 
California Exposition, San Diego, California, I have the honor 
to inform you that the commanding general. Southern Depart- 
ment, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, has been authorized today to 
send a band as requested, provided such action involves no ex- 
pense to the United States for transportation. The Department 
Commander has been directed to communicate directly with the 
Exposition authorities with reference to all necessary detail. 
Very respectfullv, 

H. P. McCain, 
The Adjutant General." 

In the "Los Angeles Times", May 14, 1915, appeared 
the following item: 

"Two Notable parties meet. Japanese Admiral and Con- 
gressmen banquet. Exposition president gives his hospitality. 
Torpedo factory on Coast named a necessity. 

(By direct wire — exclusive dispatch) San Diego March 13 — 
While the party of Congressmen and their wives here, the guests 
of Congressman William Kettner, were entertained at the expo- 
sition grounds, another party equally distinguished was guided 
over the fair by representatives of the army, navy, and the expo- 
sition. Admiral Baron Sotokichi Uriu, retired officer of the 
Japanese navy, and his staff bearing messages of good will and 
friendship from his country to America, was the second party 
of distinguished guests. 

Today was Kettner Day at the exposition in honor of the 
popular Congressman of the Southland, and hundreds of San 
Diegans gathered at the exposition to greet him and Mrs. Kettner. 

Congressman Kettner, who had not seen the exposition 
since its completion, could not conceal his delight and pride as 
he piloted the Congressmen from all parts of the country about 

[38] 





¥ ^^^^?^H 


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Carl H. Heilbron, 
Vice-President San Diego Exposition. 



and everyone of the party was enthusiastic in the extreme over 
the beauties of California as exemplified in the exposition. 

After the cavalry review this morning given for the con- 
gressional party, they were escorted over the Puenta Cabrillo 
by a company of marines and as they entered the Exposition 
Congressman Kettner was given a great ovation. A luncheon 
was tendered the party by the Chamber of Commerce of San 
Diego county at the Cafe Cristobal. This afternoon they toured 
the buildings and exhibits and late in the afternoon there was a 
reception for the Congressional party and Admiral Uriu and the 
Baroness by the women's official board at the women's head- 
quarters." 

During- my eight years in the Congress we were in 
almost continuous session. First it was the revision of 
the tariff, and later the war, so that in all the eight years 
the only recess was in 1915, when I was fortunate 
enough to spend part of the time at home. At that time 
I had the pleasure of showing a large number of Sen- 
ators and Representatives our wonderful exposition, and 
to point out the splendid naval facilities of our Pacific 
sea coast. This was especially effective, as many of the 
Eastern men, some of whom had been in Europe several 
times, had never been west of the Mississippi, and a map 
is much more effective after one has seen the country. 



[39] 



SECOND ELECTION 



I feel that it will be very amusing and interesting to 
recall the events which took place on my second election. 
If the reader will remember, I have mentioned the way 
the Republicans supported me. A great many of those 
same Republicans insisted on former Representative J. C. 
Needham moving into the district, to run against me for 
the Congress. This he did and here is where the Progres- 
sives got even with the regular Republicans for support- 
ing me two years previously. I am firmly convinced that 
the whole Progressive party supported me in the 1914 
campaign, as my victory in this election was by some 
24,000. Reproduced here is an editorial from the "Los 
Angeles Tribune", a leader in the Progressive party, 
which speaks for itself. 

Los Angeles Tribune editorial, October 27, 1914: 

"In the Eleventh Congressional district the fight is between 
Congressman Kettner, a loyal and able Wilson Democrat resid- 
ing in San Diego, and J. C. Needham a standpat Republican, 
affiliated with the 'old gang'. Kettner is by far the abler man 
and better fitted to represent the people of the Eleventh district 
in Congress. He should receive the support of the Progressive 
voters in that district. 

Kettner has served only one term in Congress, but he has 
made good. He is a most useful member of the House and has a 
wide circle of acquaintances and has accomplished much for the 
benefit of his district. He should be re-elected." 

The "Hemet News", Mr. John E. King, editor, No- 
vember 6, 1914, carried the following editorial: 

"HURRAH FOR KETTNER. Greetings to Congressman 
Kettner! Not only is he re-elected by a majority that may reach 
7,000 in a district quite generally supposed to be overwhelmingly 
Republican, carrying practically every county, but he carries 
every precinct in the Hemet and San Jacinto valleys, most of 
them by a majority of more than two to one. The orange-grow- 
ing district of Little Lake goes for him by 106 to 26. 

[40] 



Billy Kettner well deserves the victory he has won. He is 

a live wire. . , . j • tt ^^^ 

Hemet and its environs were especially interested in Kettner. 
He is a former resident, and he is personally very highly esteemed, 
as the enormous vote he received fully attests. 

The Eleventh district has honored itself in asserting m no 
uncertain tones its confidence in President Wilson and its satis- 
faction with the services of the efficient representative at Wash- 
ington." 



The following is a partial list of some of the things 
accomplished during the first two years of my service, 
some of which are described in detail elsewhere : 

Dredging Harbor $249,000 

Kelp Maps 7,000 

Coaling and Fuel Oil Station, San Diego 95,000 

First Fortification Emplacements Ft. Rosecrans 335,000 

Mrs. May Stanley, relief bill 3,500 

Topock Bridge at Needles 25,000 

Colorado River Appropriation 100,000 

Emergency Work Colorado River 55,000 

Radio Station, San Diego 300,000 

Joint Resolution Exposition 86,000 

FORT ROSECRANS 

A few days after I was elected in 1912, I was in- 
vited by the Ad Club to luncheon. After coffee had 
been served the Chairman arose and made the statement 
that William Kettner, the newly elected Representative, 
would now tell them what he intended to accomplish for 
San Diego in the Congress. Of course I knew very 
little about the work before me, but, among other things, 
I told them that I would surely try to better conditions 
regarding our fortifications. I had learned from Colonel 
William C. Davis, U. S. A., stationed at Ft. Rosecrans, 
that we had four 10" guns which could shoot only in one 
direction and that southwest. He told me that it was 
possible for a small gunboat to lie on the other side of 

[41] 



Point Loma and bombard San Diego, without the least 
possibiHty of our guns returning the fire. 

Upon my arrival in Washington I explained these 
conditions to General E. M. Weaver, Chief of the Coast 
Artillery, and he assured me that he was well posted and 
that something should be done. Not knowing the 
diplomacy of some of our officers I waited patiently, 
until the second session of the 63rd Congress, but as no 
recommendations reached the House I called on Secre- 
tary of War, Lindley M. Garrison, and explained condi- 
tions to him. He called in General Weaver who admitted 
the facts as stated by me, and the Secretary asked him 
to submit a recommendation at that time even though 
their general recommendations had all been sent in to 
the Congress. I found out afterwards that General 
Weaver did not like my method of procedure. Later 
when the President, as is usual, asked all of the Secre- 
taries to cut down their recommendations as much as 
possible, Colonel E. E. Winslow, the engineer who rep- 
resented General Weaver before the House Committee, 
did all in his power to cut out appropriations for San 
Diego, as is shown by ,the hearings of that time as 
follows : 

Quotation from hearings before Subcommittee of 
House Committee on Appropriations, Mr. Swagar Sher- 
ley. Chairman, 63rd Congress, 3rd session, February 
5, 1915: 

"Mr. Sherley: Col. Winslow, yesterday when the hearings 
closed we were discussing the item for construction of gun and 
mortar batteries and you had previously stated that part of this 
money contemplated certain emplacement work at San Diego? 

Col. Winslow: Yes sir. 

Mr. Sherley: In order to refresh my mind, will you again 
state what amount of this money is contemplated to be spent 
there? 

Col. Winslow: $335,000 is intended to cover the emplace- 
ment of 12 mortars, and in that connection I would like to state 
that a short while ago the Secretary of War called upon the 
various bureaus to know which of the items submitted could, 
with the least harm to the Government, be cut out, and this was 

[42] 



submitted by the Engineer Department as the one which they 
thought could be cut out with the least harm. 

Col. Winslow: Mr. Chairman, the point I brought out about 
cutting out this sum for San Diego or cutting out the sum for 
San Pedro was due to a comparison of the relative importance 
of the two places, San Diego and Los Angeles. Los Angeles 
has approximately eight times the population of San Diego. 
It has a much better harbor on which the Government has now ex- 
pended approximately $6,000,000. Its commerce is several times 
that of San Diego, and therefore, there is no question as to the 
importance of continuing the fortifications at Los Angeles. 

Mr. Sherley: Assuming the question of doing one or the 
other, in your judgment the work at San Pedro is much more 
important than San Diego? 

Col. Winslow: Yes, much more important than San Diego, 
and I should consider Cape Henry more important than San 
Diego, also." 

This will give the reader some idea why San Diego 
was so slow in being recognized in the Congress. 

Notwithstanding these objections Mr. Swagar Sher- 
ley of Kentucky, my warm friend, who was Chairman 
of the Subcommittee on Appropriations, and who had 
visited San Diego and inspected conditions personally, 
wrote amendments into the law on four different occa- 
sions amounting in all to one million dollars for San 
Diego. 

With the amount mentioned above the War Depart- 
ment constructed two mortar batteries, four mortars in 
each battery, and gave San Diego a little of the protec- 
tion to which she is entitled. 

When I retired from Congress I had been working 
with the Department for the erection of two 16'' guns 
on the Point, which would give us added protection. 

"War Department, 
Washington, 

January 12, 1914. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

House of Representatives. 
Washington, D. C. 
Sir: 

T have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter 
of the 9th instant, in which you call attention to the recommenda- 
tion of the Chief of Coast Artillery, in his annual report, for ad- 

[43] 



ditional fortifications for San Diego, California, and point out 
that no estimates for these have been included in the present 
annual estimates now before Congress. 

In reply to your letter I would say that the recommendation 
for additional coast batteries at San Diego has received the ap- 
proval of the War Department and is now part of the general 
scheme of coast defense. In preparing the estimates for this 
year it was necessary, on grounds of economy, to eliminate many 
important items, among them the additional fortifications pro- 
posed for San Diego, in order that funds might be secured for 
what appeared to the Department to be the more urgent require- 
ments of coast defense elsewhere. General Weaver informs me he 
has given you all the details in this matter. 
Respectfully, 

LiNDLEY M. Garrison, 

Secretary of War." 

In the "San Diego Union" of April 7, 1916, ap- 
peared the following item: 

"Bill Gives Fort Here Great Sum. 

"$287,000 may be appropriated for finishing fortifications on 
Point Loma, wires Congressman Kettner. 

Early completion of the new fortifications on Point Loma. 
for which emplacements are now being constructed, was indicated 
yesterday through the contents of a telegram from Congressman 
William Kettner to President J. S. Akerman of the Chamber of 
Commerce. Kettner announces that the new fortification bill 
just out of the hands of the committee for submission to Congress 
carries an appropriation of $160,000 for fire control stations and 
accessories on the Point and another appropriation of $127,000 
for eight searchlights and generating sets at the same place. 

Military men and members of the Chamber regard this as 
a big thing for San Diego, as getting these items into the bill 
is regarded as half the battle. The original appropriation was 
for $160,000 for the emplacements or foundations, and if the 
amounts required for the completion of the work are voted by 
Congress, it will mean that the completion of the fortifications 
will be brought about in much more than ordinary time. Fre- 
quently several years lapse after the construction of emplacements 
before the rest of the work is financed. 

Following the receipt of the telegram, it was announced 
at the Chamber that the necessity of sending a San Diegan to 
Washington to assist Kettner in his work is more apparent than 
ever. The question of engaging such a man will be considered 
at a meeting of the directors next Monday. There are many 
other matters now pending in which Congressman Kettner is 
believed to need live assistance according to Chamber officials. 

The emplacements being placed on Point Loma for two 
batteries of 12-inch mortars of four guns each would be useless 
without the control stations and accessories and search lights 

[44] 



and generating plants that have been placed in the fortification 
bill. A favorable vote in Congress on these appropriations means 
much to San Diego in way of protection and to the government 
in way of coast defenses. 

The searchlights to be installed under the proposed appro- 
priation are 60-inch lights, the equal of any in the country. They 
can pick up a target five miles out at sea. The control stations 
are to find range. 

Other matters in which the Chamber of Commerce desires 
to assist Congressman Kettner, through a special representative, 
are to make sure for this city a marine base, an aviation base 
and a greater aviation camp." 

NOTE: No help was sent at this time. 

Copy of letter received from Carl H. Heilbron, Presi- 
dent of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce: 

"San Diego Chamber of Commerce 

Hon. William Kettner, M. C. 

House Office Building, 
Washington, D. C. 
Dear William : 

At the last meeting of the Board of Directors of the San 
Diego Chamber of Commerce, I took the opportunity of review- 
ing with the Board, the various appropriations you have been 
successful in securing for San Diego, first emphasizing the fact 
that you had pledged yourself to the policy of working only in 
support of such measures and appropriations favoring San Diego, 
that you sincerely believed to be beneficial to the Country as a 
whole In this policy, as you know, the San Diego Chamber of 
Commerce, through its Board of Directors, most heartily con- 
curred. 

In recounting A'our activities while in Washington, I covered 
in detail, the various projects for which you have secured appro- 
priations, noting the fact that the amounts already voted and 
approved were in excess of a Million Dollars. I^ therefor, dubbed 
you 'San Diego's Million Dollar Congressman.' 

Permit me, as president of the San Diego Chamber of Com- 
merce to compliment you upon your wonderful accomplishments 
in behalf of San Diego and the Bay region, and to assure you 
that you will continue to receive the same hearty support and 
co-operation that it has been our pleasure to give you during the 
past two years. 

I believe, Billy, that we will be able in time, to interest the 
Federal Government and particularly, the Army and Navy in San 
Diego, to the extent that some day we will be one of the most 
important, if not the most important Army and Navy center on 
the Pacific Coast. I feel confident that if this Congressional Dis- 
trict is farseeing enough to continue William Kettner as its rep- 
resentative, this result will certainly be brought about. 

[45] 



With every good wish for your continued success, and best 
wishes to Mrs. Kettner, I am 

Yours sincerely, 

Carl H. Heilbron." 



"War Department 

Office of the Chief of Staff 

Coast Artillery Division. 

Washington, March 2, 1917. 
Aly dear Mr. Kettner: 

I wish to express my hearty thanks and keen appreciation 
of the courtesy and kindness of you and Mr. Choate in leaving 
for me the olives. If they are similar to those I enjoyed on my 
last visit to San Diego, I know their merits, and they enter into 
one of the pleasant memories I have — a memory so pleasant that 
it has put in my mind the thought of passing my remaining days 
on the retired list among the genial and hospitable citizens of 
San Diego. 

Sincerely yours, 

E. M. Weaver. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

House of Representatives." 

RADIO STATION 

Admiral Robert S. Griffin, Chief of the Bureau of 
Steam Engineering, without doubt one of the finest men 
in the Navy, in 1914, when radios were just getting their 
start, was of inestimable value to San Diego. I found 
out through our Chamber of Commerce that the Navy 
Department had been inspecting a site here in San Diego. 
I immediately called upon Admiral Griffin and was in- 
formed that a site had been offered the government at 
Whittier. When I notified our Chamber of Commerce, 
as usual they offered the government several locations 
in San Diego. The Engineering officers of the Navy 
sent out to make the selection had inspected San Diego 
and insisted there was only one site that would answer 
the purpose, and that was owned by a man who formerly 
lived in San Diego and was then living in New Jersey. 
This was known as the Carling tract. The price asked 
was $20,000 for the land. Admiral Griffin informed 
me that his Bureau did not have that much money to 

[46] 



pay and I knew it was quite impossible at that time for 
our Chamber of Commerce to raise that amount. 

Representative Archibald C. Hart from New Jersey, 
where Mr. Carling was living, called on me several times 
and asked me if I could get our Chamber of Commerce 
to add $10,000 to the amount offered by Admiral Griffin, 
which was $8,000 at the outside. This ran along for 
about a month. During this time I got well acquainted 
with Admiral Griffin, and I never knew a finer man in 
my life. He finally assured me that by doing away with 
something else he could raise $15,000 to pay for the land, 
which information I gave to Mr. Hart, stating that 
$15,000 was the limit, and that we would not go over 
that amount, radio or no radio. 

However, they wired to the Chamber of Commerce 
in San Diego and the Chamber, being afraid that we 
would lose this activity, saw fit to pay A^lr. Carling 
$1,000 in addition, over my protest. 

I must admit that it was through the kindly feeling 
of Admiral Griffin that we secured this station, which 
was at that time the largest Radio Station in the world. 
We have him to thank for it. Attached is a copy of a 
letter from him covering the situation: 

"Navy Department. 
Bureau of Steam Engineering 

Washington, D. C, 21 March, 1920. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

Knowing the lively interest you took in the establishment 
of the high-power radio station at San Diego, and how helpful 
youwere to us at the time in enlisting the interest of the public- 
spirited people of San Diego, I have prepared a statement of the 
cost of the station which I am sure you will be pleased to have. 
It follows: 

Foundations $ 8,100 

Towers 93,000 

Buildings 73,000 

Electrical equipment 104,600 

Total $278,700 

[47] 



This station has measured up to every expectation, and has 
fulfilled the purpose for which it was designed in most satisfac- 
tory manner. 

I take this occasion to again thank you for your support in 
this undertaking, and to congratulate the people of San Diego 
upon having a representative who so loyally links the public in- 
terest with that of his constituents. 

Sincerely yours, 

(Signed) R. S. Griffin. 
Honorable William Kettner, M. C, 
House of Representatives, 
Washington, D. C." 

In the "San Diego Tribune" appears the following 
item on January 10, 1914: 

"Carling Tract east of city will be used. Largest Wireless 
station in United States will be built on 560 acres of land near 
Chollas Reservoir. Kettner telegraphs to the Evening Tribune. 
Plant will have four 600-foot masts and will be capable of send- 
ing messages 3000 miles in day time. 

The United States government today purchased the site 
for the erection of one of the largest naval radio stations in the 
world at San Diego, the order being signed by Josephus Daniels, 
secretary of the navy. Notice was received by The Evening 
Tribune from Congressman William Kettner and confirmed 
through other channels. 

The site purchased is the Carling tract, or a portion of it, 
lying between the El Cajon boulevard and Chollas valley, west 
of La Mesa and just beyond the Chollas Heights reservoir. The 
site borders the El Cajon boulevard. The tract comprises 560 
acres, but it is not known whether the entire tract was bought. 

The new station will be of 300 k. w. power when completed 
with four steel towers of 600 feet height in rectangular arrange- 
ment. It is stated that these towers are now being completed on 
contract previously awarded and will arrive in sections. Three 
of them to be erected as soon as possible forming a triangle. 

The station will be the Pacific Coast radio home station 
in charge of Lieut. Commander George Sweet. 

It is said about 50 families, officers, operators and recruits 
will be quartered at the new station and homes will be erected 
for them. There is no water on the tract and it probably will 
be piped from the city's reservoir at Chollas. 

The site was inspected August 5, 1913, by Lieutenant E. H. 
Dodd, commander of the coast submarines and torpedo boats and 
at that time in charge of the wireless stations. Lieutenant Com- 
mander A. J. Hepburne, of the bureau of steam engineering, 
W^ashington, C. A. Carlson, civil engineer of the bureau of yards 
and docks, Washington, and Lieut. Fred Thompson, the govern- 
ment engineer now engaged in the erection of the coaling station 
at La Playa." 

[48] 



The following item appeared in the "San Diego Sun" 
January 10, 1914: 

"Great Radio Station Here for U. S. Assured. 

"Following out the policy of making San Diego one of the 
principal rendezvous on the Pacific coast for the U. b. navy, 
secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels has completed arrange- 
ments for the erection near here of one of the largest radio sta- 
tions in the world, according to telegraphic advices from Con- 
gressman Kettner at Washington, D. C. received today. Daniels 
has signed the order for the purchase of the Carling tract, near 
the Chollas Heights reservoir as a site for the mammoth station. 

When the radio plant is installed it will be possible not only 
to communicate with warships off the coast of California, but 
communication with Washington and with the territory of Hawaii 

will also be possible. r .. ^ * .,. 

The announcement today of the purchase of the tract was 
the result of a recent visit of Secretary Daniels to San Diego^ 
Daniels has already announced, as a result o the visit, that the 
navies of the world will anchor in the Harbor of the Sun in 
1915 The following telegram telling of the purchase of the 
Carling tract was received today by The Sun from Congressman 
Kettner at Washington, D. C: 

'The order has been signed by the secretary of the navy to 
purchase the Carling tract near San Diego on which the govern- 
ment proposes to erect one of the largest radio stations in the 
world. William Kettner. 

William G. McAdoo 

AND 

San Diego and Arizona Railroad 
(A friend in need.) 

In October, 1914, I commenced receiving letters from 
different people in San Diego, especially the officials of 
our Fair, asking me to prevail upon the President to 
accept their invitation to open our Fair personally, on 
January 1, 1915. Failing in this they mentioned dif- 
ferent cabinet officers who might be invited, though I 
could see from the letters of Mr. G. Aubrey Davidson, 
the president of the Exposition, and others, that there 
was a strong leaning toward the Secretary of the Treas- 
ury. I also had been having considerable dealings with 
Secretary McAdoo, more than with other cabinet offi- 
cers, and had always found him courteous, affable, and 

[49] 



kindly disposed to assist in all up-building projects. 
When I learned that it would be impossible for the Presi- 
dent to be present, I extended the invitation to Secretary 
McAdoo. At first he declined, as he stated it was almost 
impossible for him to leave. At that time he was one of 
the busiest men in Washington, with the portfolio of 
Secretary of the Treasurer and other duties. Finally he 
notified me that he would take time to go to San Diego 
in company with Mrs. McAdoo. I personally arranged 
for their sleeping car accommodations and route. The 
people of San Diego as usual treated him so royally that 
on his return we became more friendly, if possible, as I 
never visited his office but that he spoke of the beautiful 
Fair and of the kindness of my people. 

A year or so later when he was contemplating a trip 
to the Pacific Coast I assured him that Coronado was 
just the place for him, where he could enjoy the ocean, 
and take trips in our back country, and combine ocean 
and mountain scenery. He acted upon my suggestion 
and while here he again met our people and talked over 
our plans and ambitions for the city. He was shown 
what the San Diego & Arizona Railroad would do for us. 

After the United States entered the World War 
officially all new railroad building in the United States 
had to be discouraged by the Administration because of 
the shortage of materials and labor, unless it Vv^as shown 
that such new construction was absolutely necessary. 
Mr. McAdoo, who was then the head of the U. S. Rail- 
road Administration, as the railroads had been taken 
over by the government, had this matter in charge. 

When a communication was placed on Mr. McAdoo's 
desk, stopping all work on the San Diego & Arizona 
Railroad, Mr. McAdoo not only blue penciled this order, 
I am happy to say, but he did so without interviewing or 
seeing anyone in regard to it, as he stated he had per- 
sonal knowledge that the railroad was a necessity. 

His secretary telephoned my office and advised me of 

[501 



the action taken by Mr. McAdoo. At a later date he 
helped us secure steel rails to continue this good work. 

"McAdoo, Cotton & Franklin 

Attorneys at Law 

120 Broadway 

New York 

March 31, 1920. 
Dear Mr. Kettner: 

I have your letter of March 3'Oth, asking me for the reasons 
why I declined, when Director General of Railroads, in 1918, 
to stop work on the San Diego and Arizona Railroad. 

At that time, as you know, it was necessary to conserve labor 
and supplies throughout the country in order that production for 
war purposes should be maintained at the maximum. Therefore, 
the policy of the Railroad Administration was to cut of¥ all un- 
necessary railroad construction and improvement. Among the 
cases brought to my attention was the San Diego and Arizona 
Railroad, which was then under construction, and it was recom- 
mended that this work be stopped. 

After a careful consideration of all the facts and knowing, 
as I did, San Diego's need of additional transportation facilities, 
I felt that a great injustice would be done not only to San Diego 
but to everybody who did business with that City, or who wanted 
to travel to and from it, if this railroad should not be promptly 
finished. I took the view that the work was of such importance 
that it was an exception to the general rule and I, therefore, 
ordered that it proceed without interruption. 

I am glad to hear that the railroad is now in operation. I 
am sure that it will be of immense benefit to the important city 
and harbor of San Diego and of enduring convenience and com- 
fort to all the people of the Southwest. 
With warm regards, I am 

Cordially yours, 

W. G. McAdoo. 
Hon, William Kettner, 

House of Representatives, 
Washington, D. C." 



[51] 



SECOND MARINE ADVANCE BASE 



When the Congress adjourned March 4, 1915, natu- 
rally I returned home to San Diego to view our beauti- 
ful Exposition. It was with pardonable pride that I 
walked through the driveways and wonderful exhibits, 
since I had taken some part in its upbuilding. 

While in San Diego I had the pleasure of meeting 
General Joseph H. Pendleton (then a Colonel), who was 
in command of the marines stationed in San Diego. As 
we were enjoying a dinner at the Cristobal Cafe one day, 
he made the remark that San Diego, in his opinion, 
would be the proper place for the location of an advance 
Marine Base. This sounded rather amusing, but I lis- 
tened attentively to what he had to say and even took up 
the question of location with him. Without hesitation 
he suggested North Island as the logical place for the 
Marine Base. I did not agree with him, and stated that 
I thought what was then known as "Dutch Flats" would 
be the proper location, I had lived on Horton's hill for 
seven years and in looking out over "Dutch Flats" had 
visualized it into a beautiful place, and wanted my dream 
to come true. We discussed this question some two or 
three weeks, and the General finally agreed that if I 
would take the matter up in Washington he would 
strongly support me, and he surely did. When Major 
General George Barnett, Commandant of the U. S. Ma- 
rine Corps, visited San Diego later General Pendleton 
converted him to an appreciation of the splendid possi- 
bilities of San Diego and "Dutch Flats". Between us we 
convinced Assistant Secretary Franklin D. Roosevelt, 
who rendered us every assistance. As the Secretary 
would not put this item in the recommendations to Con- 
gress I was forced to introduce a bill, copy herewith: 

[52] 



"64th Congress, 

1st session. H. R. 7629. 

In" the House of Representatives 

January 5, 1916. 
Mr. Kettner introduced the following bill; which was re- 
ferred to the committee on Naval Affairs and ordered to be 
printed. 

A Bill 

Providing for the purchase of lands for a marine post. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the United States of America in Congress assembled. 

That the Secretary of the Navy be, and he is hereby, author- 
ized to purchase a suitable tract of land on or near the Bay of 
San Diego, San Diego County, California, for a marine post to 
be used for advance base or expeditionary purposes. 

Sec. 2. That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money 
in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the purpose of 
purchasing said tract of land to be used by the Secretary of the 
Navy, the sum of $250,000, or so much thereof as may be neces- 
sary for said purpose, to be available upon such purchase made. 
January 5, 1916. Referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs 
and ordered to be printed." 

The first appropriation was for $250,000 to buy 232 
acres of land from the San Diego Securities Company, 
a copy of check herewith attached : 

"June 15, 1917. 
Navy U. S. Navy Recruiting Station 

Recruiting. 17 Post Bldg. 8th & Broadway 

San Diego, California. 280 

Treasurer of the United States 
Seal 

Pay to the Order of San Diego Securities Company $250000.00 

Two Hundred Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars 

Object for which drawn: 

Vo. No E. A. Swanson, 

Purchase 232 acres Lieutenant, U. S. Navy, Rect. 

Land Marine Base. U. S. N. Recruiting Officer." 

54106 

The city of San Diego donated to the government 
for this site, some 500 acres of tide flats. Admiral 
Frederic R. Harris, who was then Chief of the Bureau 
of Yards and Docks, Navy Department, was not at all 

[53] 



in favor of this project, and it made very little headway 
until after the Naval Committee visited San Diego and 
viewed the site personally. Upon their return to Wash- 
ington, Mr. Lemuel P, Padgett, the Chairman, and Mr. 
Thomas S. Butler, the ranking Republican member of 
the committee, stated that the committee was more 
strongly in favor of the proposition after viewing it than 
before, and so informed Admiral Harris. From that 
time the matter progressed more rapidly. 

With the assistance of Colonel D. C. Collier and Mr. 
George Burnham, who appeared with me before the At- 
torney General, w^e finally succeeded in having the title 
cleared. 

The following is a page taken from a record of my 
actions each day in the Congress which my secretary 
kept for her files, and which she wrote as if I had been 
talking : 

"April 21, 1917. 

"Colonel Collier and I called on Secretary Roosevelt this 
morning, and he wrote out a personal order to Mr. Egerton to 
expedite the Marine base matter as much as possible. We called 
on Mr. Egerton also and he called in Mr. Martin. We spent two 
hours with him going over different points he brought up. Colonel 
Collier explained matters to them, but one point was not clear 
to them, which seemed rather ridiculous to us. Mr. Martin does 
not know whether the San Diego river ever was navigable. We 
then spent the afternoon with the War Department in persuading 
them to write me a letter showing that the San Diego river was 
not navigable. We hope to take it up again with the State De- 
partment. 

"On my return to office, I learned I had missed roll call." 

Senator Warren G. Harding, afterwards President 
of the United States, gave his support through the 
solicitation of Mr. Henry H. Timken. I must add, to 
the credit of Admiral Harris, that when he learned that 
the Naval Committee was in earnest he not only pushed 
the project but permitted us to name Architect B. G. 
Goodhue of New York to lay out the general plans. 

George Burnham, with his magnetic personality and 
persuasive qualities, aided me materially. He spent some 

[54] 





(LiTiUiiimuftliraliiitrii^tntiTi 



280 



Lieutenant E. A. Swanson, U. S. N., CJiving to M;{. C^eorge Burnham, 

President of San Diego Securities Company, Check in 

Payment for Land for Marine Base. 



time in Washington, assisting in the passage of this leg- 
islation through the House and Senate. 

On page 398, pamphlet 12, of the Hearings of the 
Naval Affairs Committee of the House of Representa- 
tives on Estimates, submitted by the Secretary of the 
Navy, for 1915, the following statements were made, 
December 7, 1914: 

"The Chairman: Some time since, in conversation with the 
Secretary, as I understood him, he said to me that it was desir- 
able to use San Diego, which is farther south, as the station for 
the marines, and that the poHcy would be ultimately to develop 
a marine station in Southern California on account of the climatic 
conditions and also for the reason of accessibility to the work 
of expeditionary forces in southern countries; has that matter 
been discussed? 

"Gen. Barnett: I have discussed that with the Secretary of 
the Navy. I have given him my views, which are these, that any 
station created in San Diego or any other place in Southern 
California would have to be started absolutelv anew. We have 
no land there. We have nothing. Climatically it would be a 
very good place indeed, but it would not do at all for the purpose 
for which we want the barracks — I have told them so — because 
we must have a place near the center of the recruiting district, 
because it would cost too much money to send the recruits down 
there and bring them back when we want them. Another thing, 
we can get all sorts of supplies much better at San Francisco,' 
where the depot is located. If it is the policy of the Navy De- 
partment to establish an entirely new post at San Diego it would 
be for an advance base plant. Again, I think, except for climatic 
conditions, that San Francisco or Mare Island would be a much 
better place, because it is nearer the base of supplies." 

Later, after General Barnett had made a visit to the 
Pacific Coast and visited several proposed sites, and after 
General Pendleton had so enthusiastically shown him 
our proposition, using all of his persuasive powers, Gen- 
eral Barnett reported in part as follows : 

"Page 2459, Hearings 64th— 1st session. 
August 26, 1915. 

"Climatic conditions in San Diego are particularly suitable 
for an advanced base or expeditionary regiment or brigade to 
work outdoors the year round, and San Diego, being the souther- 
most harbor in the United States on the Pacific Coast, is particu- 
larly well situated for such a post." 

[55] 



It took some time to convince the Naval Committee 
of the merits of this proposed site. It must be remem- 
bered that precedent requires that recommendations come 
from the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary had 
not seen fit to include this item. 

Our good friend Governor Wm. Stephens, who was 
then a member of the committee, assisted me with the re- 
sult that I had the assurance from nineteen out of twenty- 
one members that they would help in the passage of my 
bill. When the Secretary learned of this through Col. 
E. S. Theall, who was then chief clerk of the Naval Com- 
mittee, in answer to a question by the Chairman of the 
Committee, he made the following remarks: 

"Page 3637 Hearings before the Committee on Naval Affairs, 
64th— 1st. 

"Secretary Daniels: There is a place in San Diego, opposite 
that island (referring to North Island) and the city of San Diego 
offers to sell us, I think it is — 

Mr. Stephens : Two hundred and thirty-two acres. 

Secretary Daniels: Yes. 230 acres of land; and then the 
drainage to be done shortly would add about 500 more acres, 
and so we can get 732 acres with this drainage which we will not 
have to pay for, for $250,000. It would be a very desirable piece 
of property for the Navy to own, because we ought to have a 
marine base at San Diego." 

Too much credit cannot be given to our dear friend, 
General Joe. His love of the Marines and San Diego is 
truly unlimited. 

The following item appeared in the "San Diego 
Union", March 31, 1916: 

"KETTNER'S NAVAL BASE BILL. 

Representative Kettner's bill appropriating $250,000 for land 
on San Diego bay to be used as an advanced marine corps base 
is likely to be favorably considered, if one may judge from the 
hearing on the bill, that was recently given by the cornmittee on 
naval affairs, and at which, it appears from the official report, 
the representative from this district made an exceedingly strong 
showing for the bill. Mr. Kettner began by explaining the need 
of a base 'necessarilv near the territory where there is nossibility 
of trouble', and by citing the views of experts on the subject. 

[56] 



He also explained the advantages of San Diego as regards 
climate and in other respects. He further showed that 'the navy 
department has recognized San Diego as a strategical base' as 
evidenced by the fact that since trouble has been pending m Mex- 
ico a force of marines has been kept in tents at points m and 
near San Diego and several times has been sent to points of 
disturbance along the western coast oT Mexico. Mr. Kettner 
then explained the advantages of the 232 acres of land on Point 
Loma recommended as a site by General Barnett, commandant 
of the marine corps, and by Assistant Secretary Franklin D. 
Roosevelt, that being the property for whose purchase the bill 
provides. The city's offer of the 500 acres of adjoining tide lands 
was also set forth. Following is the verbatim report of the sub- 
sequent part of the hearing: 

Mr. Kettner: Gentlemen, we have had the pleasure of hav- 
ing 107 senators and representatives in San Diego during the past 
year. They saw that the city was not only building docks and 
dredging its own territory, but that we spent $300,000 in federal 
territory, and I think if there is any project adopted in the senate 
it will be the San Diego project, because it has the merit. It is 
rational to suppose that where people help themselves, others 
are inclined to help them. 

Mr. Chairman, a number of the members of this committee 
have been in San Diego, but for the benefit of those who have 
not I should like to show this relief map. This (indicating) is 
the entrance to the channel. We have 39 feet at lower low water 
and a warship can steam in at any time during the 24 hours. 

Mr. Oliver: What is the width? 

Mr. Kettner. It is 2000 feet at the narrowest point. At this 
point it is 5000 feet. This (indicating) is Point Loma. It is ten 
miles from here (indicating) to the proposed marine base. That 
point (indicating) is 500 feet high, 492, speaking accurately. You 
can see what protection that would give. 

Mr. Butler: Is that rock? 

Mr. Kettner: No; it is decomposed granite. 

Mr. Butler: How many feet high is it? 

Mr. Kettner: Five hundred feet. 

Mr. Butler: And what is the width? 

Mr. Kettner: From this point here (indicating) it is SV^ 
miles to the ocean. It averages from one to three miles. 

Mr. Stephens: The coast is abrupt here (indicating)? 

Kettner: Yes sir. Here are the fortifications, Fort Rose- 
crans. There are four 10-inch guns and many smaller guns. At 
the present time they are installing mortar batteries. 

Mr. Butler: The government is doing that work? 

Mr. Kettner: Yes, sir. 

Mr. Butler: Would that be sufficient protection for the 
marine station? 

Mr. Kettner: Yes. sir; I think so. We already have the 
fort and they are installing additional mortar batteries, which will 
protect it from all sides. The navy department has erected a 

[57] 



coaling station and a fuel oil station here (indicating). It is the 
only one in Southern California. They have placed the tanks 
in the canyons in order to make it more difficult for an enemy 
to locate their oil storage. 

Mr. Butler: This (indicating) is the land for the marine 
station? 

Mr. Kettner: Yes, sir. 

Mr. Butler: That would not have the same protection? 

Mr. Kettner: Yes, sir; I think better protection. 

Mr. Butler: How is the labor market? 

Mr. Kettner: It is very good. 

Mr. Butler: What is the population? 

Mr. Kettner: About 100,000. 

Mr. Butler: Engaged in what pursuits? 

Mr. Kettner: Manufacturing, fruit, fish, and olive canneries, 
and almost everything usual to a city of that size. 

The Chairman: Why do you call that federal territory? 

Mr. Kettner: This is the army map. This (indicating) is 
the harbor line and there (indicating) the bulkhead line. 

Beyond the pierhead line is federal territory and is under the 
jurisdiction of the federal government. The federal government, 
therefore, is required to keep this territory open to commerce 
where the amount of commerce justifies it. 

Mr. Stephens: Your bill provides for an appropriation of 
$250,000? 

Mr. Kettner: Yes. sir. 

Mr. Stephens: How many acres? 

Mr. Kettner: Two hundred and thirty-two acres. 

Mr. Stephens: If the government purchased the 232 acres 
for a marine corps base, then the city will give to the marine 
corps base 500 acres additional? 

Mr. Kettner: Yes. sir. 

Mr Roberts: Is there any question about securing this 
land for $250,000? 

Mr. Kettner: No, sir; that is agreed to. They wanted 
$400,000, and the Chamber of Commerce representatives met with 
them and agreed on $250,00. 

Mr. Butler: How far is this from the southern boundary 
of California? 

Mr. Kettner: Seventeen miles. 

Mr. Butler: And how far from San Francisco? 

Mr. Kettner: Four hundred and fifty nautical miles. 

Mr. Stephens: As far as you know, everyone favors this 
location? 

Mr. Kettner: Yes, sir. 

Mr. Stephens: And there is no opposition? 

Mr. Kettner: Absolutely none. 

[58] 



Mr. Roberts: From the bulkhead line up to the pierhead line 
the distance is about 1000 feet, and piers and wharves could be 
built from the bulkhead line out to the pierhead line, providing 
M^harves of about 1000 feet in length opposite this property? 

Mr. Kettner: Yes, sir. 

There was no opposition to the bill at any stage of the hear- 
ing, and the many questions that were asked Mr. Kettner indi- 
cated interest rather than objection. Of course, nobody can ever 
predict what congress may or may not do. But it looks very 
much as if Mr. Kettner had a very good chance to have his bill 
passed. That outcome would mean for San Diego a payroll 
bearing from 1000 to 2000 names. It would also mean improve- 
ments that would render very sightly a part of the bay front 
that is not at present especially attractive." 



"Headquarters U. S. Marine Corps 

Commandant's Office 

Washington 

June 12, 1920. 
My dear brother Bill: — 

Now that I have gotten back from, I will say, one of the most 
delightful trips of my life, I want to take this first opportunity 
of expressing to you my sincere thanks for all that you and your 
friends did to make the trip so enjoyable. While out there, of 
course, I visited what will be, in my opinion, the finest Marine 
Corps post in the United States, and this I attribute almost wholly 
to the great interest you took in getting a Marine Corps post in 
Southern California. Of course, there are always people to pick 
flaws in any service, and no doubt a great many have their ham- 
mers out for the Marine Corps, but I want to say that the Marine 
Corps is very strongly on the map and largely due to your great 
and influential help in putting it there. 

We certainly enjoyed every minute of our trip and nothing 
in the world could have been finer and more enjoyable than our 
short stay down in your country. 

Hoping that I may have the pleasure of seeing you soon 
again, and \yith kindest regards and best wishes for you and Mrs. 
Kettner, believe me. 

Sincerely your friend, 

George Barnett, 

Major General Commandant. 
Honorable William Kettner, M. C. 
San Diego, California." 



[59] 



NAVAL TRAINING STATION 



During the first year of our exposition Franklin D. 
Roosevelt, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, visited Cali- 
fornia officially. While here he also visited both expo- 
sitions. It was only natural for me on his return to 
Washington to call on him and get his views regarding 
our San Diego exposition. He was really delighted with 
San Diego. During the conversation he made the state- 
ment that he found at Goat Island among the Navy boys 
so much sickness that it was quite distressing, and prac- 
tically assured me that if I should make some effort to 
remove the Base to San Diego I could have his support. 

I immediately started machinery in motion in Wash- 
ington to carry out his suggestions, and among other 
things corresponded with our Chamber of Commerce at 
San Diego. All this work was rather slow and nothing 
definite was done until the war was practically over. In 
the meantime the city, through the Park Commissioners, 
had leased the Exposition park and buildings to the Navy, 
for a Naval training station, at a dollar a year. During 
my visit home instructions were received by my old 
friend. Captain MacArthur, then in charge, to look over 
San Diego with the idea of finding a site upon which to 
locate a naval training station. In company with Cap- 
tain MacArthur, George Burnham, and other officers of 
the Chamber of Commerce, including myself, different 
possibilities as to location were viewed. We visited one 
at False Bay, another on the lower end of the Silver 
Strand and a third at Point Loma. 

Captain MacArthur was strongly in favor of the 
Point Loma site. This was owned by the San Diego 
Securities Company. It then devolved upon the Cham- 
ber of Commerce and the good citizens of San Diego 
to raise practically $290,000 to buy the land, as there 

[60] 



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n y- Z " 

3 - m Z 

O = w < 



1— < > .^ 

-! ;5 O ^ 



O V 



en 



■ w 




/ 



was absolutely no chance of the government moving 
down from Goat Island unless some big inducement was 
offered. How wonderfully the people responded to the 
call can be seen by mentioning a few of the prominent 
donations. I recall two large donations toward this 
fund from two of our highly esteemed citizens. One by 
IVIr. John D. Spreckels for $15,000, handed me in person 
to turn over to the committee, and one sent in by Mr. 
George Marston for $10,000. 

I might add here, also, that the San Diego Securities 
Company sold this property at a great loss to thern- 
selves. One of the most earnest workers in soliciting this 
sum of money, that seemed so immense to us, was past 
president of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce Mr. 
A. P. Johnson. He gave several months of his time al- 
most exclusively to this undertaking. I wish now to 
thank them all, not only for their splendid work but in 
having the confidence in me to deliver to me the deed, 
which I am convinced was what made it possible for me 
to secure the first appropriation at that time. We must 
not forget in this connection that our "city dads" cheer- 
fully gave the tide lands in front of the proposed train- 
ing station. They also placed the deed to the tide lands 
in my possession, thus making it possible for me to state 
to the Naval Committee in Washington that I would 
place the deeds in escrow with the Secretary of the Navy, 
to become the absolute property of the United States just 
as soon as the Congress made the proper appropriations 
to start the buildings on this site. 



"San Diego Chamber of Commerce, 
San Diego, California. 

June 23, 1919. 
Hon. William Kettner, M. C, 
House Office Bldg., 
Washington, D. C. Subject: 

Naval Training Base. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

It is with very much pleasure indeed, that the writer finds 

[61] 



upon his return from a week's trip that the Appropriation bill 
containing the Naval Training Base feature, passed the Senate. 

We congratulate you for having so successfully handled this 
matter, which under the circumstances, was, we realize, particu- 
larly difficult. 

Needless to say our community is delighted and appreciate 
more than ever what a splendid representative we have. 
Very sincerely yours, 

Melville Klauber, 

President." 

An extract from a letter written by Admiral Thos. 
Washington, Chief of the Bureau of Navigation, Navy 
Department, December 26, 1922: 

"As you know, the Budget gave us nothing for San Diego, 
in so far as the Training Station is concerned; but in the hearings 
we brought it before the sub-committee, calling attention to our 
needs there, and we found that Representatives Kelley, Byrnes 
and Oliver were very sympathetic and managed to give us $330,- 

000 for the training station. The Senate has accepted that amount. 

1 am hoping, therefore^, that we will make a good showing in the 
way of additional buildings during the coming year, and, when 
Congress meets in December next, I hope the bill then agreed 
on will carry still more funds until we can gradually build up 
San Diego to the original intention." 



"December 22, 1923. 
Mr. Eugene K. Sturgis, City Clerk, 
City Council of the City of Oakland, 

Oakland, Calif. 
My dear Mr. Sturgis: 

I acknowledge receipt of your esteemed favor of recent date 
advising me of the Resolution adopted by the City Council of 
the City of Oakland, protesting against the removal of the train- 
ing station from Yerba Buena Island to San Diego. 

I appreciate the advantage to the San Francisco Bay region 
to have the station situated in the Bay, but I want to point out 
that the protests now flooding the California delegation in Con- 
gress and the Navy Department are a little late. 

It was in 1919, two years before I took the oath of office, 
that Congress first made the appropriation providing for the re- 
moval of the training station to San Diego. Since that time a 
total of $2,000,000 has been appropriated and spent at San Diego 
for the training station alone. Five million dollars was the 
amount originally set aside through the activities of former Con- 
gressman Kettner for the San Diego training station, but later 
the amount was reduced and now the station will cost, when 

[62] 



completed, $2,300,000, the last appropriation of $330,000 being 
made in the present Naval Appropriation Bill. 

During the war and subsequent thereto, up to 1920, San Diego 
had one of the most active representatives in Congress. He was 
backed to the limit by a Chamber of Commerce that left noth- 
ing undone to help him, no matter what the cost. Together they 
worked so successfully that San Diego Bay has more naval activ- 
ities than any other city in the country and its functions as a 
naval base will probably increase, because of the start already 
made, rather than decrease. Of course, it is hard to say what 
might have happened if some of the protests now being made 
had been more timely, but it is reasonable to assume that some 
of this activity might have been saved for Northern California. 

It is possible that the Department will retain part of the 
present training station on Yerba Buena Island. This is a mat- 
ter that I am now working on and as soon as I have definite 
advices, I shall be glad to communicate with you again. 
Yours sincerely, 

Samuel M. Shortridge." 



CONCRETE SHIPYARD 

About the middle of May, 1918, the Scofield brothers, 
singly and together, came into my office in Washington, 
telling me that their company was one of the large con- 
tracting firms of Philadelphia and would like to get a 
contract to build concrete ships, possibly in San Diego. 
Naturally I was interested. I had previously received 
a letter from Mr. Charles Piez, Vice-President of the 
Emergency Fleet Corporation, stating that the Corpora- 
tion was willing to let a contract for steel ship build- 
ing in San Diego, which letter I presented personally to 
the business men of San Diego, in company with Mr. 
Bergendahl of Wisconsin, who wished to secure this 
contract. Upon my arrival home, I found that the citi- 
zens of San Diego were negotiating with some gentle- 
man from Pasadena, which complicated the situation, 
and we failed to make the proper guarantees to the Ship- 
ping Board. Having this in mind, I listened attentively 
to the Scofields, who advised me that they had the matter 
practically settled and that it would take only a little in- 
fluence on my part to close the deal for them. I called 
on Mr. Edward N. Hurley, then chairman of the Ship- 

[63] 



ping Board, and explained the situation to him. I might 
add here, by way of parenthesis, that I had been fortu- 
nate previously in extending a small favor to chairnjan 
Hurley, which it seems he had not forgotten. He called 
in Mr. Bainbridge Colby and found that the Scofield En- 
gineering Company was not on the list of five firms to 
be selected to build concrete ships. I soon discovered 
that Mr. Isidore B. Dockweiler, of Los Angeles, then in 
Washington, was working strenuously for Mr. F. H. 
Wurster, of the Wurster Construction Company, one of 
our Southern California contractors. I explained to Mr. 
Dockweiler that Los Angeles had already two ship build- 
ing plants and that we in San Diego were entitled to this 
concrete yard. After discussing the matter for a day or 
two, I found out incidentally that Mr. Wurster's name 
was not on the list, but that the name of Bent Brothers, 
of Los Angeles, did appear. I informed Mr. Dockweiler 
and he agreed finally that, if I could have the name of 
Scofield Brothers included, he would assist me. This he 
did most effectively. We were successful in closing the 
contract for Scofield Brothers, after showing the splen- 
did record made in concrete work by this firm. Through 
my acquaintance and ability to enter through another 
entrance than the main one, I made this fight on a prop- 
osition represented as "practically settled" while the rep- 
resentatives of the Scofield Engineering Company waited 
for me at the foot of the stairs. Mr. Colby helped rush 
the details through the Board and we were able to tele- 
graph on May 28 that the contract had been closed. Papers 
were drawn up the next day and sent to Mr. R. J. Wig, 
then in charge of the concrete division for the govern- 
ment. The Scofield Engineering Company was very ap- 
preciative and informed me that, while they had made a 
trip to San Diego, they were not so well acquainted with 
the local men as they would like to be ; nevertheless would 
make the construction company a San Diego corporation. 
They kept their word and appointed as directors Mr. 

[64] 



George Burnham, Senator L. A. Wright, also Mr. P. M. 
Johnson, whom they had never met. Upon my recom- 
mendation, they appointed my personal friend, Mr. 
James M. Milburn, of whom they had never heard, 
authorizing him by wire to take immediate charge at 
San Diego. The shipyard was built upon ground leased 
from the city at the foot of 32nd Street, where I am 
happy to say they finished two of the best concrete ships 
built during the war. Mr. Milburn is still with them in 
the erection of big buildings which they have since con- 
structed in Los Angeles, including the Biltmore Hotel. 

"United Statks Shipping Board 

Washington, 

June 22, 1918. 

Hon. William Kcttner 

House of Representatives, 
Washington, D. C. 
Dear Mr. Kettner: 

Permit me to take this occasion to express to you my great 
appreciation of the service which you have rendered to the United 
States Shipping Board Emergency Fleet Corporation, in the 
matter of assisting in obtaining a most highly favored location 
for the establishment of a concrete shipyard at San Diego. 

Our engineers reported that the site which you were so in- 
strumental in aiding us to get is the best, for the purposes in- 
tended, anywhere in the United States. I feel that it was very 
largely due to your effort and cooperation with the Shipping 
Board that we were able to have the advantages of this excellent 
location, and we confidently expect that the results obtained in 
concrete ship construction at San Diego will fully justify the pre- 
diction of our engineers. 

Again thanking you for your cooperation and assistance, I am, 
Sincerely yours, 

Edward N. Hurley, 

Chairman." 



[65] 



MARINE RAILWAY 

Shortly after the occupation of North Island by the 
Government, the marine railway, located on the south- 
east corner of the island, was wrecked by the officers in 
charge, leaving San Diego Bay practically without 
marine ways. There were numerous coal barges owned 
by the navy, in San Diego Bay, which made it necessary 
for the navy, as well as for all shipping, to have some 
means for repair of small ships in San Diego. This mat- 
ter was brought to the attention of the naval officials at 
Washington, and after considerable delay I finally con- 
vinced Senator Claude A. Swanson of Virginia, who was 
acting chairman of the Naval Affairs Committee in the 
Senate, that it was absolutely necessary that the Navy 
do something along this line, and through his influence 
the Senate committee inserted an item of $175,000 for a 
marine railway to be located near the coaling station in 
San Diego Bay, by act of July 1, 1918. The conferees 
of the House in talking over the Senate amendment No. 
109, when Admiral Charles W. Parks, Chief of the 
Bureau of Yards and Docks, was before them, brought 
out these facts : 



"Document No. 20, Committee on Conference, House of Rep- 
resentatives, Wednesday, May 29, 1918. 

The Chairman (Hon. Lemuel P. Padgett); 109, Naval fuel 
depot San Diego, Cat, marine railway, $175,000. Tell us about 
that. 

Admiral Parks: At the time we took that property (mean- 
ing North Island) there was a small railway that had to be aban- 
doned and the bureau considered it proper under contingent to 
replace those facilities, but the commandant of that district was 
very much against the construction of any other barge marine 
railway; it was too small. He insisted upon our increasing our 
allotment_ under contingent to construct a 2,000-ton marine rail- 
way, the justice of which I could not really see. So after getting 
sufficient information to make me believe that it was desirable 
to construct a marine railway at an early date, I asked for that 
item. The cost could not be properly paid out of contingent for 

[66] 




Rear Admiral C. \V. 
Chief of Yards and Docks, 



Parks, 

U. S. Navy. 



anything of that kind and I would not feel like trying to back 
up an expenditure for that purpose. 

The Chairman: In other words, you want an authorization. 
Admiral Parks: It is the only thing that would be available 
south of San Francisco, and the district has a good deal of activ- 
ity, especially down on the Alexican coast. 

The Chairman: Have we already a fuel depot there? 
Admiral Parks: Yes, to which is being added an oil station 
now under contract. 

The Chairman: What is the estimated cost of the depot that 
we are building there? There you can insert that if you have 
not the figures with you. 

Admiral Parks: I will insert some figures for that; I am not 
certain whether there is a lump sum for that or not. The con- 
tract for fuel oil storage based on unit prices will amount to 
about $335,000. 

Mr. Riordan: Is this not on the land we purchased some 
years ago? 

The Chairman: The Marine Barracks at San Diego is on 
that land. I do not know whether the fuel depot is on that land 
or elsewhere. I do not know where you are building the fuel 
depot. 

Admiral Parks: I have not seen that station; I am not 
familiar with the locations generally. 

Mr. Riordan: Will you please put in the record whether this 
was on this land or on some other land? 

Admiral Parks: The Marine barracks is not to be on the 
land of the fuel depot which is located near Point Loma. The 
Marine barracks will be on the land recently purchased much 
nearer the city. , , • r 

The Chairman: Please ascertain and give us the location ot 
that land. For what use is that to be? 

Admiral Parks: For handling submarines and Hght gun- 
boats and destroyers based at San Diego. 

The Chairman: In other words, the fuel depot is going to 
have a small repair shop in connection with it? 

Admiral Parks: There probably will be a small repair shop 
there, to be handled by men of the fleet. 

The Chairman: For the repair of submarines and small 
boats? , . , , . 

Admiral Parks: The patrol that is now being based for war 
purposes. That extends as far as Pinchilinque Bay, down on the 
eastern coast of Lower California. 

The Chairman: You have no docks at San Diego. 
Admiral Parks: None whatever. A 450-mile trip to San 
Francisco is necessary. 

The Chairman: And this is in lieu of a dock for the repair 
of small boats, bringing them up out of the water where they 
can be handled as they would be in a dock if they had one? 
Admiral Parks: That is for the purpose of doing that. 
The Chairman. The marine railway would not be used in 
any way in the delivery or receiving of oil from the ships or to 
the ships? 

Admiral Parks: Not for that purpose at all, but to take care 
of barges that are used for the oil handling. 

[67] 



The Chairman: Is it really for dock purposes? 
Admiral Parks: For docking and cleaning. 
Mr. Browning. It could not be used at all for oil? 
The Chairman. No." 

The conferees of the House at the conclusion of their 
examination agreed to the Senate amendment. The 
Bureau of Yards and Docks, under Admiral Parks, gave 
this matter attention and plans were immediately sub- 
mitted and approved and the contract let to the Ross 
Construction Company, under contract No. 3219, on 
November 8, 1918, though the work did not actually 
begin until the first of 1919. $153,194.07 was spent and 
the work was three-fourths completed when I made a 
trip to San Diego. As usual I drove around to the dif- 
ferent naval activities, and after watching the construc- 
tion of this marine railway for some time I reached the 
conclusion that if this project as planned were permitted 
to be completed it would be all that we could ever get 
in my day in San Diego in that line, and that it would 
be inadequate from the time of its completion. 

At a reception tendered to me at the Grant Hotel, 
I stated my views to those assembled, which were to the 
effect that the Scofield Engineering Company was com- 
pleting two concrete ships for the U. S. Shipping Board 
and that in my opinion it would be the proper thing for 
the Council when the land and plant reverted to the city 
to turn it over to the Navy for a general marine railway 
and dry dock which would be able to take care of the 
new ships about to be sent to the Pacific Coast, as the 
Secretary had already issued an order dividing the fleet. 

The Chamber of Commerce backed me up in my sug- 
gestion, and upon presentation of the matter by the 
Chamber, the Common Council heartily agreed that it 
was the proper thing to do and prepared the necessary 
papers to turn over this land to the Navy Department. 
Upon my return to Washington I presented all of the 
facts to the Secretary of the Navy. He coincided with 

[68] 



my views and ordered the work at the La Playa location 
stopped. With the permission of the Secretary I pre- 
sented the matter to the Hon. John Barton Payne, then 
Chairman of the Shipping Board. He saw the economy 
of saving this plant upon which the government had 
spent some $3,000,000 and dictated a letter to Secretary 
Daniels, which I delivered personally, copy herewith : 

"March 3, 1920. 
My dear Mr. Daniels: 

A hearing was recently held before the House Committee on 
Naval Affairs in connection with the concrete yard at San Diego. I 
am advised that some members of the Committee were concerned 
about the settlement to be made with the Pacific Marine and Con- 
struction Compan3% who are agents of the Fleet Corporation in the 
construct'on of two concrete ships to be launched this spring, and 
whether by taking over the yard, the Navy assumed any liability. 

Negotiations are now pending with the Pacific Marine and Con- 
struction Company, looking to the settlement of this contract, but 
nothing in connection with these negotiations should in any way 
embarrass the Navy or the Naval Affairs Committee in proceeding 
at once to take over the yard immediately, or at least that portion of 
it which is not used in connection with the building of these two 
ships. The Navy assumed no liability in connection with this settle- 
ment with the Pacific Marine and Construction Company, and there 
is nothing in the assignment which imposes any liability on the Navy. 

Yours very truly, 

John Barton Payne, 

Chairman. 
The Honorable, 

The Secretary of the Navy, 
Washington, D. C." 

Shortly after, Mr. Payne was made Secretary of the 
Interior and Admiral Benson was made Chairman of the 
Shipping Board. His associates brought up a great 
many question regarding this transfer, which held it up 
for several months, but finally, through the efiforts of 
Hon. Fred A. Britten and Hon. William B. Oliver, the 
differences of interpretation as to what was meant by 
Mr. Payne's letter were settled. 

Letter written by me just before closing the deal: 

[69] 



"334-5 Spreckels Bldg., 
San Diego, Calif., 
Admiral W. S. Benson, Chairman, August 18, 1920. 

U. S. Shipping Board, 
Washington, D. C. 

Dear Admiral: 

The people of San Diego have just ratified, by a vote of 113 to 1, 
the several deeds given to the Navy by our City Council. The Con- 
gress at the last session appropriated for these several projects. They 
all seem to be clear, with the exception of the concrete plant, which 
the Naval Committee of Congress considered settled so far as the 
Navy was concerned, when they made an appropriation of $750,000 on 
the strength of a letter written by the former Chairman of the Ship- 
ping Board, to the Secretary of the Navy. I have, also, been in- 
formed that the Shipping Board has made settlement with one and 
perhaps two of the plants that were building concrete ships that had 
identical contracts as that of the Pacific Marine and Construction 
Company, operating in San Diego. 

I have been informed by Admiral Welles in San Diego that the 
Navy needs this plant very badly; in fact the Congress three years 
ago appropriated for a Marine Railway in San Diego, which was 
partially built but held up until this controversy is settled. The pres- 
ent status of the case, as I understand it, is that the Shipping Board 
has assigned its contract with the city of San Diego to the Navy; 
the Common Council of the city of San Diego has given the Navy a 
deed for this land, and the people of San Diego have ratified that 
deed by a vote of 113 to 1. The former Chairman of the Shipping 
Board has written a letter to the Navy, as per copy enclosed, (men- 
tioned above), and the people of San Diego cannot understand why 
the Shipping Board does not make final settlement with the Pacific 
Marine and Construction Company so as to permit the Navy to use 
this plant in place of sending their destroyers to Mare Island, at 
quite an expense to the government. 

I trust you will give me a full explanation of the Shipping Board's 
side of this case as I expect to bring the matter before the Commit- 
tee appointed by the Congress, consisting of five members of the Sen- 
ate and five members of the House, when they arrive in San Diego. 

Sincerely yours, 

William Kettner." 



"Navy Department 
Office of the Solicitor. 

20924-125:107 
S-E-B 
My dear Mr. Kettner: September 1, 1920. 

I have been requested by the Secretary of the Navy to reply to 
your favor of the 14th ult., and to say that the necessity for the 
formal ratification of your State Legislature of the several convey- 
ances by the Citv of San Diego to the U. S. shall not interfere with 
the commencement of work by the Department on the sites affected. 

Orders have been given to proceed with the development of the 
various projects without waiting for final action by the Department 
of Justice on the title papers. 

[70] 



The above does not apply, however, to the Repair Station. With 
reference to this last named site, there are, as you may be aware, 
some complications growing out of the Shipping Board's tenure of 
the premises. 

However, it is anticipated that the existing obstacles to immediate 
development will soon be removed so that work may be started in 
the near future. 

You may rest assured that the Solicitor's Office will continue to 
co-operate to this end. 

Trusting you are enjoying good health and that you will convey 
my regards to Messrs. Davidson, Burnham and other pleasant gentle- 
men of your City, whom I have had the pleasure of meeting in con- 
nection with the Navy's activities in and about San Diego, I am, 

Yours very sincerely, 
Hon. Wm. Kettner, Graham Egerton, Solicitor. 

334-5 Spreckels Bldg., 
San Diego, California." 

The work on the marine railway was suspended No- 
vember 21, 1919, and contract declared closed. On Feb- 
ruary 21, 1921, under contract No. 4297, work was 
started on the marine railway located at the destroyer 
base and completed in February, 1922, with an expendi- 
ture on contract cost of $261,738.78. 

This was brought about by the law of June 4, 1920, 
H. R. 13108 66th Congress: 

"Naval fuel depot, San Diego, California, increase capacity of 
marine railway to two thousand five hundred tons and transfer of 
same to naval station site on San Diego bay, California, and to pro- 
vide additional shore facilities at said station $750,000; toward the 
construction of a store house and fleet landing at the foot of Broad- 
way, San Diego, California, $400,000; in all $1,150,000." 

I am very happy to state that this is fast becoming 
one of the finest marine repair bases and mechanical 
training schools of the Navy. 

I learned that it was extremely difficult to stop a con- 
tract already started when authorized by Act of Con- 
gress, for no one cared to assume the responsibility of 
issuing the necessary order to discontinue the work, even 
though it was clearly for the good of the service. 



[71] 



Naval Warehouse. 

From time to time, letters reached my office from 
merchants of San Diego and from representatives of 
mercantile associations, telling of the difficulties of bid- 
ding on naval supplies to be delivered at some distant 
point where there was a warehouse, even though the 
goods were to be used in San Diego waters. I took up 
this matter on several occasions with the Chief of the 
Bureau of Supplies and Accounts, Admiral Samuel Mc- 
Gowan, and his assistant, Admiral C. J. Peoples, with no 
favorable result. But after Secretary Daniels' trip to this 
coast, and Admiral McKean, Admiral Parks and Com- 
mander Hilton had made their report. Admiral McGowan 
finally agreed with me that there was a real need and sent 
a recommendation to the Secretary for the building of a 
supply station. This was accepted by the Secretary, 
who added his recommendation, and as a result the Con- 
gress made the first appropriation as showm in law of 
June 4, 1920, H. R. 13108, 66th Congress: 

"Toward the construction of a storehouse and fleet landing at the 
foot of Broadway, San Diego, California, $400,000." 

"Navy Department 
(Bureau of Supplies and Accounts) 

Washington, D. C, 
Honorable William Kettner, M. C, 9 October, 1919. 

334-5 Spreckels Building, 
San Diego, California. 
My dear Mr. Congressman : 

Referring to the question of future development at San Diego, 
as presented in your letter of the 29th ultimo, it is my understanding 
the board which accompanied the Secretary on recent inspection is 
now working on its report and expects to submit its conclusions in 
the near future. 

Commander Hilton has discussed with me the advantages of the 
proposed site for supply department activities and from his descrip- 
tion it is an ideal location and admirably suited for the purpose in- 
tended. 

Commander Hilton's account of the trip also testifies to the won- 
derful hospitality of the people of San Diego and I again express 
regrets that I was unable to make the trip. 

Faithfully yours, 

Samuel McGowan." 

[72] 




Rear Admiral Christian Jov Peoples. 



CAMP KEARNY 



The residents of San Diego will remember that we 
had just closed a Fair which lasted two years, and that 
times were very hard and growing worse every day when 
the U. S. Government decided to locate Camp Kearny 
near San Diego. 

My friends have informed me time and again that 
the location of this cantonment at Linda Vista prevented 
a serious financial crisis in San Diego. 

This was, without doubt, one of the hardest proposi- 
tions to put over during my term in Congress, for the 
reason that our sister city north of us had sent to the 
executive officers in Washington and members of Con- 
gress wires and letters to the effect that if the camp were 
located at San Diego the proximity to Tia Juana would 
be a detriment to the young men sent for training. 

"Los Angeles, California. 
November 15, 1918. 
Hon. William Kettner, 
House of Representatives, 
Washington, D. C. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

My intimate acquaintance with your work as Congressional Rep- 
resentative of the State of California in general and San Diego in 
particular, as well as my familiarity with local conditions in the 
sonthvvest during the war prompts me to write this letter express- 
ing my appreciation of what you have accomplished. I trust that I 
am not presuming in so doing. 

You will remember that as an Engineer I was associated with 
the construction of four military establishments in California under 
the Construction Quartermaster's Department, and subsequently was 
stationed at Washington, Pittsburg, and Bethlehem, as Supervising 
Engineer for the Housing Commission. This gave me the opportun- 
ity of closely observing the methods and results during this period 
on both sides of the continent and particularly in your Congressional 
district. 

After the declaration of war there was intitiated an intensive 
construction program for building of cantonments, warehouses, ship- 
ping and the like, and for the manufacturing of supplies for both 
the army and the navy. This work in the early stages of the conflict 

173] 



was concentrated along the Atlantic sea coast in a radius of approx- 
imately ten miles, from Old Point Comfort on the Chesapeake Bay. 
I visited the following federal institutions : the Norfolk Navy Yard, 
the Great Docks and Warehouses at Norfolk; the Pig's Point Ware- 
houses for which $10,000,000 was made as an initial appropriation; 
the Newport News Shipping Yard; the Langley Aviation fields, an 
immense embarkation station for live stock; and a cantonment, the 
name of which I do not now recall, which would accommodate troops 
who were being continually transported. In addition to this the bat- 
tle fleet was anchored in Hampton Roads. This did not include the 
military equipment. 

For the first six months there was little of any expenditure of 
funds on the Pacific coast, commensurate with this enormous outlay 
in the east. In the far west labor was more plentiful, supplies were 
easier to get, and consequently the unit cost of construction during 
this time was far more favorable. 

Coincident with these conditions we had the most intensive bond 
drives throughout the country, including our Pacific coast. This re- 
sulted in the gradual drift of our financial resources from the Pacific 
coast to the East and the unbalancing of our western trade, finance, 
and labor. 

These conditions were particularly acute in your city of San 
Diego. Business was depressed and it was a severe struggle for us 
to bear our quota in the bond subscriptions which our patriotic citi- 
zens assumed. Very largely because of these general conditions here 
it was urged that a cantonment might be placed in the southwest. 
There immediately arose a vigorous competition, if not strife, be- 
tween the cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Be- 
cause of local conditions this rivalry was more pronounced between 
Los Angeles and San Diego. The Chambers of Commerce and busi- 
ness organizations of these cities sent representatives and strong 
communications to Washington urging the merit of their respective 
localities and even attacking the propriety of accepting sites from 
their neighbors. Because of the efforts of various other sections of 
the United States to obtain these military establishments quite natur- 
ally the W^ar Department was disinclined to locate cantonments in 
areas showing such bitter rivalry. This resulted in the temporary 
elimination of Southern California from the construction program. 
This was indicated by the following telegram : 

'Washington, D. C, 
June 7, 1917. 
Engineering Office, J. B. Lippincott, 
Los Angeles, California. 

As far as this office is informed there will be no canton- 
ment in California. 

(Signed) I. W. Littell, 
In charge of Cantonment Divisions.' 

About this date I went to Washington for the purpose of going 
into the service of the government in some capacity for the period 
of the war and naturally I called upon you as an old friend and rep- 
resentative of California. At that time you will remember that we 
entered into a discussion of the relative merits of sites for canton- 

[74] 



n.ents and more Particularly for flying fields in California as com- 

loss to the government when men were idle on this accoum^ 
'f°u„?.Lt faking these '-'- dTdfy ro« Y^pedl.its' to e^s^^b.i* 
SrpsTiqiiA S^^Jafgl US re£te„^ss .Han . .a,„ 

£r:.^!J:L'?3S.VSLrs"este1a!i; fe a^lt^wSe-u. on 
°" feaS\l« tportance of eliminating the destructive rivalries 

situation Consequently the following wire was sent from our office 
to Los Angeles organizations: 

•Washington, D. C, 
June 7, 1917. 
Engineering Office, 
T. B. Lippincott, 
Central Building, Los Angeles, California. 

California probably will lose cantonment Linda \^sta. (>dy 
chance concerted action by Los Angeles with San D^egoma^ 
save it Advise me promptly synopsis of telegram to secretary 
of War by Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and others sup- 
porUng Linda Visfa in order that we may use it respecting 
Los Angeles' claims. ^ ^ Lippincott.' 

The following reply was received in answer to the above tele- 
gram, June 8, 1917: 

'J. B. Lippincott, 

Portland Apartments, 

Washington, D. C. ^. , r 

Joint meeting Los Angeles and San Diego Chambers of 

Commerce this morning. Los Angeles Chamber and others 

heaTly endorse Linda Vista and both organizations sent wires 

to Secretary of War. Rumor three camps on the Pacific coast. 

(Signed) E. R. BowEN.' 

T n« Angeles abandoned her claims for a military establishment 
in h^r°immTdia?e ndghtorhood and proceeded to support San Diego 
in its efforts for an initial camp at Linda Vista. Because ot your 

[75] 



close relationship with the Secretary of War as well as the Secretary 
of the Navy and because of the united effort of the two cities it was 
finally decided by the War Department that a camp should be estab- 
lished at Linda Vista. 

From my intimate knowledge of the situation I consider that it 
was mainly due to your efforts with the War Department that finally 
located the cantonment at Linda Vista under the name of Camp 
Kearny. The following telegram was received : 

'Washington, June 11, 1917. 
Engineering Office J. B. Lippincott, 
Los Angeles, Calif. 

Secretary's office assures canvas camp for Linda Vista. 
(Signed) L W. Littell, 
In charge Cantonment Division.' 

The War Department in addition to the Linda Vista camp sub- 
sequently erected Fremont camp at San Francisco, and March Field 
near Riverside. The selection of this flying field I know was largely 
due to your efforts. They subsequently undertook, as you of course 
know, work at Fort Rosecrans at San Diego, and Fort MacArthur 
at San Pedro. A permanent, thoroughly equipped flying field for 
the army was also determined upon for North Island, but largely due 
to opposition on the part of the Army officers in charge, the work 
was stopped on the permanent structures there and the station changed 
to a temporary field. 

I am not familiar in detail with your work with the Navy De- 
partment and its relation to the selection of San Diego as an im- 
portant Naval base, but I am certain of one thing, to-wit, that the 
result of the expenditures of these public funds which you secured 
not only greatly improved the business situation in San Diego finan- 
cially but it has resulted in the increasing importance of your city 
and bay of San Diego as a military base. 

You will pardon my going into such an extended review of this 
situation, but I feel that it is but a mild expression of my personal 
appreciation of your efforts, and it is actuated by a desire that you 
may have something in your files to that effect. 

Very truly yours, 

(Signed) J. B. Lippincott." 



[76] 



NORTH ISLAND 



In the latter part of the year 1910 or the first of the 
year 1911, D. C. ColHer started a club in San Diego, of 
which I was a charter member, under the name of "The 
Aero Club of San Diego". Permission was asked of 
the Coronado Beach Company to use North Island as the 
site for an aviation club. Mr. Glenn Curtiss had been 
talking about coming to San Diego to establish an avia- 
tion school, and the Coronado Beach Company advised 
the Aero Club of San Diego on February 2, 1911, that it 
would grant Mr. Curtiss the privilege of establishing an 
aviation school and of erecting the necessary plant for 
conducting it for a period of three years from February 
2, 1911. Mr. Curtiss and The Aero Club subsequently 
were given the use of North Island free of charge or 
obligation for aviation purposes. The Signal Corps 
Training School, U. S. A., was temporarily located on a 
part of the Island, about the middle of 1913, without 
rental charge, and this later became "Rockwell Field". 
This brings the situation up to the year 1914. 

In the 64th Congress I took part in having the Com- 
mittee on Military Affairs insert the following clause in 
the Army bill, which clause later became a part of the 
law and is known as the act of March 4, 1915, as follows: 

"The Secretary of War is hereby authorized and directed to ap- 
point a commission of not more than three Army Officers, whose duty 
it shall be to report upon the advisability of the acquirement by the 
United States Government of land near the Bay of San Diego, Sau 
Diego County, Cal., and elsewhere on the Pacific, Gulf and Atlantic 
coasts, for an aviation school and training grounds of the Signal 
Corps of the United States Army, and said commission shall ascer- 
tain and report what would be the probable cost of acquiring such 
land, and the sum of $1,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, 
is hereby appropriated to defray any expenses incurred by the said 
commission in the performance of the duties herein imposed upon it." 

[77] 



On March 31, 1915, General P. C. March, Adjutant 
General of the War Department, appointed Lieutenant 
Colonel Samuel Reber, Signal Corps, and Captain Rich- 
ard C. Marshall, Jr., Quartermaster Corps, to act as this 
Commission, and to report upon the advisability of the 
acquirement by the United States Government of land 
near the Bay of San Diego, San Diego County, Calif., 
and elsewhere, and to ascertain and report what would 
be the probable cost of acquiring such land. 

Previous to this time Colonel Reber had been in San 
Diego and thoroughly inspected this land. He had taken 
up the question of an aviation site with the Coronado 
Beach Company, which owned North Island. Colonel 
Reber conferred at this time with the Coronado Beach 
Company and also later on when he acted in conjunction 
with Captain Marshall. They failed to reach any agree- 
ment whatsoever with the Coronado Beach Company 
concerning the price of North Island, other than the 
statement that this property was not for sale. I quote 
a paragraph from Colonel Reber's letter of December 
29, 1915, to the Adjutant General of the Army, page 5 
of Document No. 687, 64th Congress, 1st session: 

"When the Spreckels Cos., which control sites Nos. 1 and 2, 
were requested to quote prices on these sites the vice-president and 
managing director verbally advised the commission that site No. 1 
is not on the market. * * * No. 1 is North Island, where the 
Signal Corps Aviation School is temporarily located, and which has 
been occupied, through the courtesy of the Spreckels Cos., since the 
middle of 1913, without any expense to the Government." 

Reports from officers of the Army Aviation Corps 
concerning North Island continued to come to Washing- 
ton. Having failed to agree on a purchase price, Colonel 
Reber suggested that the Secretary of War ask the Judge 
Advocate General to appoint some one to make a thor- 
ough investigation of the title of North Island, per the 
following in Colonel Reber's report, as he had been in- 
formed while in San Diego that the United States had a 
title to the property : 

[78] 



"It having come to the attention of the commission that there is 
a doubt as the validity of the title to land on the littoral of San Diego 
Bay, a request was made on the Judge Advocate General of the Army 
that the question of these titles be investigated. A preliminary re- 
port, a copy of which is hereto appended, Marked G, was received 
on the 29th of this month." 

The request as above stated was complied with and 
the following is the report of Captain D. P. Ouinlan, 
who was appointed to make the report : 

"Page 84 House Doc. 687 
64th Cong. 1st Session. 

Los Angeles, Cal., December 18, 1915. 

From : Capt. D. P. Quinlan, Acting Judge Advocate, 

To: The Adjutant General, through the Commanding General, 

Western Department. 
Subject: Investigation of title to lands in littoral of San Diego Bay. 

1. The following is a preliminary report of the result to date of 
my investigation of the status of central lands in the littoral of San 
Diego Bay, located within the zone reserved by the laws of Mexico 
of 1824, for purposes of national defense, and in which grants were 
made with the qualified right of the Government to retake the same 
for purposes of national defense at any time the proper officials de- 
cided that they were necessary for such purposes. 

2. While in Washington in August, Col. Reber, in charge of the 
aviation section of the Signal Corps, stated that North Island (located 
within the zone referred to in paragraph 1) was desired for use by 
the Federal Government for aviation purposes. I informed him that 
I had made a casual investigation of the title and believed the claims 
of the private parties in possession could not be sustained against 
either the United States or the Pueblo of San Diego. This informa- 
tion formed the basis of a memorandum by Col. Reber to the Secre- 
tary of War, who approved the recommendation of the Judge Advo- 
cate General thereon that I be directed to thoroughly investigate the 
matter and submit a report that would include the usual data found 
in an abstract of title, and an estimate of the value of the property 
involved. 

3. The preliminary investigation included a search of the Spanish 
and Mexican records, the study of Mexican laws available here, 
consultation with Mexican attorneys temporarily residing here, and 
the local United States Attorney. The latter has for years_ practiced 
law in San Diego, and in the communication attached is_ impressed 
with the contentions made by me in this report and the importance 
of pressing the investigation to completion. 

4. The history of this grant is that one Henry D. Fitch, Avho held 
all the land permitted him under the laws of Mexico, induced Gov. 
Pio Pico to grant the Isia de San Diego (Coronado and North Island) 
to one Carrillo, the father-in-law of the said Fitch. Carrillo passed 
title on October 20, 1846, to one Simmons, who was ineligible under 
the colonization laws of 1824, being a foreigner, to hold the fee in 

[79] 



lands within 10 leagues of the sea without the express sanction of 
the supreme executive authority of Mexico, as lands in that zone were 
by the laws of Alexico of 1824 held in reserve for purposes of the 
supreme government. Simmons purported to pass title to one Fred- 
erick Billings and Archibald Peach}', December 9, 1849, and subse- 
quently Billings presented his claim for confirmation to the board of 
commissioners appointed by Congress in 1851 for the adjustment of 
claims to land possible of being held in severalty by tlie laws of 
Mexico and in valid possession of private claimants at the date of 
the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, basing his claim upon a 'deed of 
assignment dated December 3, 1850.' This claim was rejected by the 
board on October 1, 1854, in the following language : 'There is no 
evidence whatever that the original grantee has done anything what- 
ever in the line of improvements, or that he or any other person has 
inhabited the same up to the day of his sale to said Simmons, but 
it does appear from the documentary evidence that he has sold the 
same before he had performed any of the conditions of inhabitancy 
or cultivation, in violation of the terms and conditions of the grant. 
* * * It is the opinion of the board that the conditions of the 
grant and the law under which the same was issued have not been 
complied with and that the claim is invalid and that the same should 
be rejected, and a decree will be entered accordingly.' 

5. The United States District Court on appeal reversed the de- 
cision of the board of commissioners of October 1, 1854, and con- 
firmed such qualified title as Billings had to the land on the date of 
the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. 

6. In reference to this action it is well settled by consultation of 
the laws of 1824 of Mexico, the regulations of 1828, the opinion ex- 
pressed by Judge Ord, United States attorney at San Diego, at the 
time of the hearing of the appeal in the District Court, and Com- 
missioner Thompson (who sat at the hearing and signed the decision 
rejecting the claim of Billings and that confirming the claim of the 
Pueblo of San Diego, that North Island and Coronado Island were 
in the exterior limits of that pueblo), that the jurisdiction of the com- 
mission appointed by Congress in 1851 was confined to hearing, con- 
firming, or rejecting claims of title to lands capable of being held in 
private ownership in conformity with the law of Mexico and did not 
attempt to relieve such lands of any easement in favor of the Na- 
tional Government to which it had been subjected by the laws of that 
country in force at the date of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. 

7. Aside from a contention that will be treated in my final re- 
port — that the land was not public land of the United States subject 
to sale, conveyance, or patent through the Land Department, and that 
by reason of the difference in the laws attaching to the territory in 
which Michigan and California were included at the date that they 
became a part of the United States, and diverse laws of those States 
relating to this question, the decision in the Chandler-Dunbar case 
(209 U. S. 447) is not in point — the following are the main theories 
upon which I am continuing the investigations : 

The grant to Carrillo of North Island was issued under the de- 
cree of August 18, 1824, of the Mexican Government respecting col- 
onization and under the regulations of 1828. Section 3 of the act of 
1824 provided in the interests of national defense that no lands within 
10 leagues of the seashore should be sold except upon previous ap- 

[80] 



p^oval of the supreme «e™.ive pcwe. Jn the Records of the pro- 

tion was ever given by the S!'?'™^, >"*°"S„J,' ,he «ad ng of the 
tent of this reservation as deary appears fro^^^ 

!rnls;:;ie?tTriv==«^SS^^ 

'^'^"'■;r of Cautor^a' ; .l"e"unU dlta^i^wa^s su bjlV'to the gen- 
^TrteTva.!o?and rigMs i'n favor of the Government for purposes 

°' "?|:"clntmadon by the United States of a Mexican gran, is as 

'^™^;?S'.f Ecrs rsjr ™:r,:^ sr: 

to be, on the date oi ^"^ ""= / . .uoreme government for the use 
?rs?cL "or-r of' h?p1/r^af| r^/igd for t^^^^^^ de- 
fense then the confirmation by the United :5tates !?/"■>' 

^.Ic defe^:i. '(North Island is w^hout i^^provement of any 
Mexican attorneys temporarily residing in Los Angeesmtorm 
that the supreme executive ^^ Mexico as late as 191 exem 

^iffe'suSre" Sfft'c-ouli^'daPedtha. by the issuance of 
*' 'tHs 'ilr ::Stl:r :n"e"rha.":e,uires further investigation. 

i-I£t\sr«n-/f.srLS.«^^^ 

Ince of th= PateSt would be considered by th.s Government as re- 
Heving it from the servitude placed upon tt by the l^.-f^o 1824. The 

EBi^e^finibnr^Xr:^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 

or a court of equity. . , , 

I am inclined to the opinion that both of these questions would 
be ansTered in favor of the Government, but desire additional time 
to report my conclusions. ,. , , ^i, 4.u^ 

If T .tr, r\aU in the tentative opinion outlined above, then the 
pate" LTl wfuld'nofbe'^attacked !n a proceeding brought to en- 



[81] 



force the rights of the Government. On the contrary, the patent 
would stand, but the title conve3-ed would be subject to the easement 
in favor of the Government, a situation similar to that which has 
been developed in California with reference to State tide lands un- 
der recent decision of the supreme court of that State (166 Cal. 556) 
which has become final, where it is held that under certain laws au- 
thorizing the sale of State tidelands the legal title passed, but, such 
title was subject to the public trusts upon which the lands were held, 
particularly those in the interest of navigation and commerce, it being 
clear from that decision that such lands can be taken and used by 
the State not only to the extent that they are required for such pur- 
poses, but (as noted by the action of the legislature in the acts of 
March 2 and 9, 1897,) they were liable to be taken and devoted to 
purposes of national defense, or technically legal title passed subject 
to an easement in favor of the public. 

The nature of the qualified titles given to private parties to 
land of this character is fully discussed in the tide and submerged 
land brief and the memorandum prepared by me treating of the ease- 
ment in favor of national defense in tide-land frontage on military 
reservations in the State of California, copies of which are on file in 
the office of the Judge Advocate General. I desire that the relevant 
portion of these briefs be consulted in considering this matter. 

Prominent people and organizations in the City of San Diego are 
now agitating the question of compelling the legal department of the 
city of San Diego to take action with a view to securing the lands of 
Coronado and North Island to the city, alleging that they were con- 
firmed to the city as pueblo lands January 22, 1856, by the Board of 
Land Commissioners created by Congress in 1851 for the purpose of 
settling private claims arising under the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. 
The order of confirmation and the relevant portion of the proceed- 
ings of the board read as follows : 

'Decree of Confirmation 
The President and Trustees of the City of San Diego vs. 
The United States. In this case, on hearing of the proofs and 
allegations, it is adjudged by the commission that the claim 
of said partitions is valid; and it is therefore decreed that the 
same be confirmed. The land of which confirmation is made, 
is situated in the county of San Diego, and is known as the 
Pueblo or Town lands of San Diego, and is bounded as de- 
lineated on the map filed in this case and marked "Exhibit 
A. G. T. B." to the deposition of Santiago Arguello, to which 
map reference is hereby made for a more particular description. 

Alpheus Felch, 
R. Aug. Thompson. 
S. B. Farwell. 
(Indorsed) : No. 589, City of San Diego, Pueblo Lands de- 
cree of confirmation. Filed in office Jan. 22, 1856.' 

Judge Field, one of the most learned jurists in California, In a 
decision relating to the Pueblo lands of San Francisco (75 Cal. 388) 
held that there was exempt from the grant to the Pueblo the land 
that was dedicated, reserved, or otherwise devoted to purposes of the 
superior government. This decision would be controlling should the 
city of San Diego secure confirmation of its title to these lands. 

[82] 



The exoress object of the organization referred to herein is to 
devoTe the^? Snds !o the Federal Government for purposes of na- 
TionVl defense should the claim of the city be sustamed . 

wheie I S? Assured of clerical assistance by the local recruiting offi- 
cer and thJ district engineer, and of the advice of the United States 
^?torney and Messrs. Frank Hall and E. J. Justice, assistants to the 

^^^^^^ 15. Dennis P. Quinlan. 

Captain, Acting Judge Advocate. 
(First endorsement) 

Headquarters Western Department, 
San Francisco, Cal., December 20, 1915. 

To the Adjutant General of the Army, 

Washington, D. C 
One Inclosure." 

The permanent report of March 15, 1916, of Cap- 
tain Quinlan goes further into the details, and was 
checked by officers of the Department of Justice and con- 
curred in by them. It was then that Secretary ot War, 
Newton P. Baker, and Secretary of the Navy, Josephus 
Daniels, reached the conclusion that the government 
should take over the island and should do so through a 
bill to be introduced in the Congress. It was at this time 
that I was called in for conference and they explained to 
me the different phases and showed me the reports, lor 
the purpose, I presume, of trying to find out just what 
my position would be when the matter should reach the 
House At this meeting I stated, that m my opinion it 
was rather a high-handed proceeding for the govern- 
ment to take over bodily the property of one of my con- 
stituents when the government had been having the free 
use of the land for several years. After mulling the 
question over I informed Mr. George Burnham, who 
was in Washington at the time representing the San 

[83] 



Diego Chamber of Commerce, of the state of affairs. In 
company with him I called on the Judge Advocate Gen- 
eral, Enoch Crowder, and he frankly informed us that 
the matter had been before him and that he did not agree 
with Captain Quinlan. In fact he stated positively that 
he had gone over the report and in his opinion the gov- 
ernment had absolutely no right or title to North Island. 
Mr. Burnham and I discussed the question thor- 
oughly, and the next day we called on General Crowder 
again, and had luncheon together at the Army and Navy 
Club. He was just as positive as the day before in his 
statements and further declared that the government was 
not in the business of trying to take land away from 
people who had held possession peaceably and had paid 
taxes on property for years, especially when they had 
received a government patent for the land. 

When I went back to the officers having in charge 
the framing of a bill to take over North Island, they 
stated that in their opinion such a bill was just. In the 
arguments to convince me that they were not taking 
advantage of my constituent the statement was made 
that they did not think the owners of North Island 
would object to a jury of San Diego citizens setting a 
price on North Island, providing it was shown that the 
Coronado Beach Company was the owner of the land. 
I agreed with them, and stated I thought that the owners 
would not object to any jury selected in San Diego ren- 
dering a verdict on this property. 

We also discussed the matter of interest and I strong- 
ly held to the view that it should be 6%, as the govern- 
ment had had the use of the island for aviation purposes 
for a number of years without any expense whatever. 

In verification of this statement I quote from a letter 
written January 22, 1914, to Captain Arthur S. Cowan, 
Commanding Officer of the First Aero Squadron, North 
Island, Coronado, Calif. : 

[84] 



"January 22, 1914. 

Capt. Arthur S. Cowan, 

Commanding Officer of the First Aero Squadron, 

North Island, Coronado, CaUfornia. 

Dear Sir: 

Reolvine to your request made verbally some days ago tor per- 
mission to maintain and to erect certain frame structures of a tem- 
porary nature on the land located on San Diego Bay known as 
North Island and belonging to the Coronado Beach Co for the pur- 
pose of housing and repairing aeroplanes belongmg to the U. b. gov- 
ernment, the Coronado Beach Co. herewith gives permission for the 
maintenance and erection of such frame structures of a temporary 
nature as may be necessary for your purposes m connection with the 
maintenance of the camp of the Aero Squadron and operation of 
aeroplanes owned by the United States Government upon the condi- 
tion that you or your successors and the United States Government 
will vacate said premises and remove all such structures so erected 
and maintained by you or your successors or the United States Gov- 
ernment in connection with the maintenance of the said camp of the 
First Aero Squadron upon notice, and that the giving of this per- 
mission shall in no way be interpreted or construed as conferring any 
permanent right to maintain such structures, or as granting any in- 
terest or right in or to the land of said North Island, or any part 

^ ^^ A letter from you acknowledging receipt of this permission and 
that you accept same under the conditions herein stated will be suth- 

cient. ,^ . , 

Yours very truly, 

(Signed) W. Clayton, 

Vice-President and Managing 

Director." 



"Spreckels Companies. 

San Diego, Cal., December 1, 1915. 
Capt. A. S. Cowan, 
Signal Corps, Aviation School, 
North Island, San Diego, Cal. 
Dear Sir: 

Mr Saxton, our Coronado Beach Co. foreman, reports the de- 
sire of the Aviation school to clear more land and to grade the same 
for aviation purposes. , . 

Before you make these improvements we would like to advise 
you of a change in the policy of the Coronado Beach Co. in regard 
to North Island. First of all, however, I would like to present in 
this letter the conditions under which the United States Government 
has established a school on North Island. ^. , , , 

Mr D C Collier started a club in San Diego under the name ot 
'The Aero Club of San Diego', and asked our permission to use 
North Island as the site for an aviation club. At that time Mr. 
Curtiss had talked about coming down here to establish an aviation 
school. The matter ended in our advising the Aero Club ot ban 
Diego, under date of February 2, 1911, that we would grant Mr. 

[85] 



Glenn Curtiss the privilege of establishing an aviation school and of 
erecting the necessary plant for conducting same for a period of 
three years from that date. We gave the Aero Club or Mr. Glenn 
Curtiss, the use of North Island for aviation purposes free of charge 
or obligation of any kind. He was also permitted to use the build- 
ings erected there, etc. 

It was after Mr. Curtiss had established himself on the island 
that the United States Army established their school for aviation at 
North Island under the wing of Mr. Curtiss ; that is to say, no direct 
agreement or understanding was arrived at with us regarding the 
United States Army establishing an aviation school on North Island. 
It was all done under Mr. Curtiss's permit. 

Prior to the occupation of North Island by Mr. Glenn Curtiss it 
had been surveyed and platted in lots and blocks, it being the inten- 
tion of the company to put North Island on the market as a high- 
class residential property, for which purpose it is extremely valuable. 
The Coronado Beach Co. has for many years carried on a policy 
under which it has expended very large sums of money in building 
up the values of its Coronado properties, including North Island. 
During the time North Island has been occupied by the aviation 
school the Coronado Beach Co., the owner of the property, has paid 
out over $50,000 in taxes alone. Yet not one cent has been asked for 
the use of the property, either by Mr. Curtiss or the United States 
Government. We agreed to allow Mr. Glenn Curtiss to use North 
Island for a period of three years from February 2, 1911, and we 
have therefore fulfilled any obligations we owe to Mr. Curtiss. 

When Col. Reber was here I had an interview with him on 
October 23, 1914, which I recorded at the time. The record says: 

'Col. Reber wanted to have some assurance that they 
(United States Army Aviation School) could occupy their 
present site for the next year or IS months. I told him that 
so far as I knew the situation there was no policy on the part 
of the Coronado Beach Co. to do anything at North Island 
which would interfere with their use of it for the next 12 or 
18 months.' 

According to this understanding with Col. Reber we will have 
fulfilled any obligation we owe the aviation department by March 31, 

In all our correspondence both with yourself and with the com- 
mander of the marines and the Cavalry camp on North Island we 
have emphasized the fact that it was merely courtesy on the part of 
the Coronado Beach Co. in permitting the land to be occupied for 
military purposes. I attach hereto copies of correspondence which 
has taken place covering this point. 

The time has now arrived when the Coronado Beach Co. feels 
that its interest demand that the work of grading and otherwise pre- 
paring the property for the use for which, one might say, it has been 
in preparation for the last 25 years, be pushed forward. In other 
words, we wish to get the property ready to put on the market, as we 
believe by the time the preliminary work of grading, paving, and 
sewering, and serving with water, electric lights, and street cars is 
finished the market will be ripe for disposal of the property. With 
this policy in view, we regret that it is necessary for us to advise 

[86] 







"W-oOi^ 




aXc-oTA^ 



you, as the commanding officer of the aviation school, that we would 
like North Island vacated as soon after March 31, 1916, as is possible, 
in order that we may commence work on our plans of improvement. 

As you propose to make certain changes at North Island, we 
thought it wise to advise you at this time that we expect to commence 
work early next year on our North Island property, in which case 
the aviation school might prefer not to undertake any expenses in- 
consistent with the fact that its period of occupancy is expected to 
end March 31, next. 

I am, dear sir, Yours very trulj% 

W. Clayton, 
Vice-President and Managing 
Director." 

When I had received a copy of the completed draft 
of the bill I submitted it to the Republican leader 
of the House, and he assured me that it would hold 
water, but he did not think the 6% would be per- 
mitted to pass the House. In going out of his office he 
remarked, however, that he personally would not object 
when the bill reached the House. 

I again called on the officers in the War Department 
who had this matter in charge, and assured them that I 
would not oppose their bill, but on the contrary would 
assist in its passage. The draft of the bill was sent to 
the Military Afifairs Committee, and on June 7, 1917, 
Mr. Hubert Dent, Jr., Chairman of the Military Afifairs 
Committee, introduced the bill. On June 9th when the 
Rivers and Harbors bill was before the House, I, being 
a member thereof, was allotted thirty minutes' time un- 
der general debate and presented all of the facts as re- 
ported by the several committees which had North 
Island under consideration, all showing that North 
Island was by far the most desirable place that could be 
found for aviation purposes. These were the only re- 
marks made on this subject. I had my speech printed 
and sent a copy to each Senator and Representative and 
explained the bill personally to most of the members of 
the Military Afifairs Committees of both the House and 
the Senate. 

However, I found some trouble in having the bill 

[87] 



approved by the Military Affairs Committee, and the bill 
was not reported out until June 26, 1917. 

While Mr. Dent introduced the bill he did not father 
it in the House but appointed Mr. Chas. P. Caldwell, of 
New York, a member of his Committee, to do so. I gave 
Mr. Caldwell all the particulars of the desirability of 
North Island and also had the pleasure of showing him 
the several reports that had been made. 

On June 23, 1917, Messrs. H. H. Jones, F. J. Belcher, 
and F. W. Stearns of San Diego, representing the San 
Diego Chamber of Commerce on Camp Kearny matters, 
were in Washington, and I explained to them the diffi- 
culty we were in regarding North Island, and asked them 
if they thought the San Diego Chamber of Commerce 
would back me up if I should invite Mr. Dent and Mr. 
Caldwell to come to San Diego and see the Island. 
Messrs. Jones, Belcher and Stearns assured me the Cham- 
ber would back me up in everything I thought necessary. 
The offer was then made to the Chairman, Mr. Dent, and 
to Mr. Caldwell, and I took up the question with the San 
Diego Chamber of Commerce through its Secretary, Mr. 
Homer Sumption. I quote from the minutes of the 
meeting of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce when 
this matter was presented to the Directors: 

"Minutes of Regular Meeting of Board of Directors of San 
Diego Chamber of Commerce held Wednesday, August 1, 1917 at 
4:00 P. M. Roll Call: Present, Directors Burnell, Darby, Hale, 
Sumner, Warner, White, Whitson, Vice-President McKenzie in 
the Chair, Homer W. Sumption, Executive Secretary. 

Secretary read a letter from Congressman Kettner re visit of 
Chairman of Military Committee to San Diego, in which Mr. 
Kettner stated that Messrs. Jones, Belcher and Stearns had in- 
vited Mr. Dent, the Chairman of said Committee, and Mr. Caldwell 
to come to San Diego at our expense whenever they were ready; 
they were ready to go at this time and suggested that an invita- 
tion be extended to them to come to San Diego as our guests. 
Secretary Sumption stated that on receipt of this letter he had 
arranged with Dir. Frisbie of the Santa Fe to wire their Wash- 
ington representative to furnish transportation and Pullman ac- 
commodations, knowing that there was not time to get the Board 
of Directors together to consider the matter, and therefore he 
awaited their ratification of his procedure. 

[88] 



Motion of Dirs. Whitson-Hale that action of Secretary be rati- 
fied. Carried. 

Secretary Sumption stated that just before he had arrived in 
Washington, Mr. Kettner had made a speech re North Island 
Aviation School and that he had incorporated in that speech all 
facts concerning our climate; Secretary stated that he considered 
it one of the best pieces of advertising we had ever had and that 
he had ordered 10,000 copies from the public printer for distri- 
bution." 

Though I was authorized by the Chamber of Com- 
merce to extend this invitation to Chairman Dent and 
Congressman Caldwell neither ever visited San Diego. 
They are now retired from the Congress, the invitation 
was never pressed, and neither has ever had the pleasure 
of seeing North Island. 

On June 26, 1917, Mr. Caldwell had the bill reported 
out of the Committee. The bill came up on the Floor of 
the House, on June 28, 1917. (See Congressional Rec- 
ord, page 4427.) 

The reader must remember that between June 9th 
and June 28th, the date when the bill came up on the floor 
of the House, each Senator and Representative had re- 
ceived a copy of my remarks, shown in the Congressional 
Record June 9th. 

After considerable discussion, Representative Staf- 
ford objected to the bill on the floor. 

Later the same day we again succeeded in bringing 
the bill before the House and, after amendments were 
agreed to, the bill passed. 

On July 14, 1917, the bill came up on the floor of the 
Senate. (See page 5099 Congressional Record.) Hon. 
Francis E. Warren, of Wyoming, had the bill in charge 
and it passed. 

On July 24 (see page 5434) Mr. Caldwell again 
brought the bill upon the floor of the House with the con- 
ferees' report, when, although there was some discussion, 
the bill as amended passed the House. Finally, on July 
30, announcement was made in the Congressional Record 
that the President had signed the bill. 

[89] 



The hearing of this matter on the equity side of the 
court was held in San Diego on December 2, 3, and 4, 
1919, and a decree entered quieting title in the Coronado 
Beach Company, from which decree an appeal was taken 
to the Supreme Court of the United States. This court 
affirmed the judgment of the lower court, the mandate 
being filed on March 28, 1921. On April 15th, the trial 
by jury to ascertain the value of the Island, was com- 
menced and concluded on April 21, 1920, when a verdict 
was filed finding a fair market value of the whole of 
North Island at $5,000,000.00. In answer to the special 
interrogatories directed by the court, the jury answered 
that such market value on August 1, 1917, of the lands 
lying above high water mark, consisting of 1232.93 acres 
more or less referred to as mesa lands, was $4,625,- 
000.00 ; that the market value on the same date of 207.24 
acres lying above high water mark, referred to as 
meadow, marsh and beach lands was $45,000.00; that the 
fair market value on the same date of the lands lying 
below high water mark, consisting of 663.3 acres, re- 
ferred to as tide or submerged lands, was $330,000.00, 
making a total of $5,000,000.00. 

When this news reached Washington, Chairman 
Butler of the Naval Affairs Committee addressed a let- 
ter to the Attorney-General asking for an opinion as to 
the ability of the government to vacate North Island at 
that time. I attach a copy of the reply received by Mr. 
Butler from the Attorney-General of the United States: 

"From Hearings before the Committee on Naval Affairs 66th 
Congress, 3rd session. 

"North Island 
Department of Justice, 

Washington, D. C, January 28, 1921. 

Hon. Thomas S. Butler, 

Chairman Committee on Naval Affairs, 
House of Representatives. 

Dear Sir: 

Acknowledgment is made of your letter of January 19, 1921, 

[ 90 ] 



requesting that I advise your committee fully as to the present 
legal status of the cases involving the condemnation of North 
Island in San Diego Bay, Calif.; Whether the Government is now 
authorized to withdraw the authority given for the payment of 
the assessed value of the land and thus permit the land to revert 
to the owner without further expense to the Government, as to the 
liability of the Government for the rental of the property under 
the original act, and as to the authority of the Government to take 
off permanent buildings erected on this property. 

You can readily perceive that it is not appropriate for me to 
advise Congress as to any action about any matter that comes 
primarily within the jurisdiction of the Secretary of War and the 
Secretary of the Navy, but I take pleasure in giving you the in- 
formation in my possession as to the status of these cases and 
my opinion on the several propositions involved in your letter. 

The act of July 27, 1917 (40 Stat. 247), authorized the President 
to take possession forthwith for national defense and as sites for 
permanent aviation stations for the Army and Navy of the whole 
of North Island in the Harbor of San Diego, Calif. 

In accordance with this act, by Executive order, possession 
was taken of this property on August 1, 1917, and on August 7, 
1919, suit was filed on behalf of the United States, in equity, in 
the District Court of the United States for the Southern District 
of California, Southern Division, on the theory that under law 
5 of the Mexican colonization act of 1824, providing for the colo- 
nization of the territories of Mexico, there was a perpetual servitude 
upon the Mexican national lands for use for the national defense, 
and that this servitude inured to the United States as successor in 
title to the Mexican Government. Section 5 of the Mexican law 
is as follows: 

'If for the defense or security of the Nation the Federal 
Government should find it expedient to make use of any 
portion of these lands for the purpose of constructing ware- 
houses, arsenals, or other public edifices, it may do so, with 
the approbation of the general congress, or during its recess 
with that of the government council.' 

The district court held that the Government had no such 
servitude, or right, title or interest in the land, saying that the 
case was controlled by the case of Arguello v. United States (18 
How., 539) where the Supreme Court said generally that the first 
eight sections of this law (which include law 5 above) did not 
apply to lands colonized by Mexican citizens, as North Island 
was, but only to lands colonized by foreigners. This statement 
of the Arguello case was more or less obiter, but in view of the 
fact that to establish a perpetual servitude, on North Island for 
use for national defense without compensation, would make 
every tract of land, title to which is founded upon a confirmed 
Mexican grant in California, New Mexico, or Arizona, subject 
to the claim that the United States could take it for national de- 
fense without compensation, the statement in the Arguello case 
might be regarded in a sense as a rule of property; and in any 
event makes apparent the burden which rests on the Government 
to sustain its claim. 

[91] 



In addition to this, it was contended in the court below and 
decided that the confirmation of this grant by the United States 
District Court for the Southern District of California was res ju- 
dicata and was conclusive that the Government of the United 
States had no interest in this island. We do not agree with the 
conclusion of the district court upon this proposition of law, 
but it is one of the points in the case upon which, in order to 
maintain the interests of the Government in this property, it is 
necessary to reverse the lower court. 

The Government has appealed to the Supreme Court from 
the adverse decision of the district court in this equity suit, but 
this short statement of this branch of the case will evidence the 
difficulties to be encountered in establishing the servitude, ease- 
ment, or right of the United States in these lands, and in revers- 
ing the holding of the district court that the United States has no 
such interest. 

Upon holding that the Government had no such interest in 
the land, the district court transferred the case to its law docket 
to determine and appraise the value of the property. The case 
was tried to a jury and resulted in a verdict of $5,000,000 as the 
fair market value of the property as of August 1, 1917, which 
with interest at 6 per cent, as provided in the act, amounts al- 
ready to more than $6,000,000 if the judgment be sustained. These 
cases are now Nos. 524 and 525 on the docket of the Supreme 
Court and are set for argument February 27 next. 

In the case at law, the district court over the objection of 
the Government held that the act which authorized the President 
to take possession of the whole of North Island and the Attorney 
General or the claimants to bring suit to determine and appraise 
its value in effect authorized the condemnation not only of the 
land above high-water mark, containing 1,232.93 acres, but also 
633.3 acres of tidelands below ordinary high-water mark, and 
207.24 acres of marshland; and the court instructed the jury that 
defendant company owned the 633.3 acres of tidelands below high- 
water mark by grant from the Mexican Government, subject only 
to existing harbor lines, with the right to use them as privately 
owned lands. 

We think the court erred in these particulars, and that the 
tide-lands are owned by the State of California; that Congress 
did not authorize their condemnation; and that the case should 
be reversed and remanded. We are met with this situation, how- 
ever: The court required the jury to bring in a general verd'ct 
assessing the value of the three classes of land, which resulted in 
a verdict for $5,000,000, but under the California practice the court 
submitted special interrogatories to the jury, directing it to value 
each class separately. Responsive to these interrogatories, the 
jury valued the 1,232.93 acres at $4,625,000; the 633.3 acres of tide- 
lands at $330,000; and the 207.24 acres of marshland at $45,000. 

In the event the Supreme Court determines that the district 
court erred in instructing the jury that the tidelands were privately 
owned, as were the fastlands, it will be contended, nevertheless, 
that even if the tidelands are not owned by defendant there should 
be only a remittitur of the separate sum of $330,000 at which time 
the jury valued these lands, and the judgment of the court afifirm- 

[92] 



ing the verdict of the jury valuing the fastlands at $4,625,000 
should not be disturbed. 

We insist that regardless of the separate findings of the jury 
the error into which the court fell in telling the jury that the tide- 
lands were held with the fastlands as privately owned by the 
defendant necessarily gave an added but false value to the fast- 
lands (the evidence admitted showed that the unity of ownership 
was a potent factor in arriving at the value of the high lands); 
that the Government is entitled to have the fastland valued under 
proper instructions as to the ownership of the tidelands, and that 
the case should be reversed and remanded for a new trial. 

You will observe that the act of July 27, 1917, provides that 
either — 

The Attorney General or the claimants to the said North 
Island are authorized to make an application for the determina- 
tion and appraisement of any rights private parties may have in 
said island over and beyond any rights thereto in the United 
States to the District Court of the United States for the Southern 
District of California. - - - Upon the final ascertainment of the 
value of any right. - - - There shall be paid unto court the value 
of the same as so determined, together with interest thereon at 
the rate of six per centum from date possession thereof was 
taken as herein authorized and thereupon the United States shall 
be vested with title to said lands. 

In view of these provisions of the statute the Government 
can not in this case, as in other condemnation suits, so long as 
this statute is unrepealed, await the final valuation of the prop- 
erty and then determine whether it will take it. If the case is 
reversed, it will go back for trial in the same court before a San 
Diego jury which will have the verdict of the first jury to guide it. 

In this connection your attention is invited to the decision 
of the Comptroller of the Treasury of September 8, 1920 (Deci- 
sions of Comptroller, Vol. 27, pt. 1 p. 230), advising the Secre- 
tary of War that by virtue of the act of July 11, 1919 (41 as 
amended by joint resolution of August 12, 1919 (41 Stat. 278), 
there is no appropriation available for the purchase of North 
Island. If, however, a final judgment is rendered in this case 
under this law which permits the claimant to proceed to judg- 
ment against the United States, this judgment will, I think, be 
binding upon the United States as resjudicata in any suit before 
the Court of Claims. In few cases, if any, has Congress failed 
to appropriate to pay judgments against the Government rendered 
by that court. 

While the Government has taken possession of this property 
with a view to its permanent retention after title has vested, Con- 
gress specifically provided that title to any interest of private 
parties should vest upon payment of the value thereof. It would 
seem, therefore, that the law provides for the payment of the 
value of the property as a condition precedent to the vesting of 
title in the Government, and the right conferred on the land- 
owner in the act, to make application to the court to determine 
and appraise this value, is but a right to a remedy. It is uni- 
versally held that there is no vested right to a remedy, and that 
Congress can at will change any remedy which it has thereto- 
fore provided. 

[93] 



Answering, therefore, your inquiry as to whether the Gov- 
ernment is now authorized to withdraw the authority given for 
the payment of the land, your attention is again called to the 
comptroller's decision that there is no appropriation now avail- 
able for such payment, and that such payment is a condition pre- 
cedent to the vesting of title. 

The act does not specifically provide for the payment of rental 
during the occupancy by the government, but it changes the usual 
rule that the Government is not liable for interest and provides 
that the award of the value of the property shall bear interest at 
6 per cent from the date possession is taken thereof. 

In the event that Congress, in its discretion, should repeal 
this act authorizing the claimant to make application to the dis- 
trict court for the appraisal of the land, and the condemnation 
proceedings should not be further prosecuted by the Government, 
and Congress should authorize relinquishing possession by with- 
drawal, I think, nevertheless, the Government would be liable as 
on an implied contract for the value of the use and occupation 
of the land, and that the land owner may recover for such use 
and occupation in the Court of Claims. (Compare United States 
v Lynah, 188 U. S. 445; United States v. Great Falls Manufac- 
turing Co. 112 U. S. 645; and United States v. North American 
Co. 253 U. S. 330.) 

I am of the opinion that Congress can authorize the salvag- 
ing of the permanent buildings on North Island if it determines 
to relinquish the island to the claimants. The buildings were 
erected by authority of Congress with money of the Government, 
and are property belonging to the United States. Power was ex- 
pressly vested in Congress by the Constitution (art._ IV, sec. 3). 
'to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respect- 
ing the territory or other property belonging to the United 
States.' 

Mr. Justice Story observed long ago that this — power is not 
confined to the territory of the United States, but extends to 
'other property belonging to the United States', so that it may 
be applied to the due regulation of all other personal and real 
property rightfully belonging to the United States. And so it 
has been constantly understood and acted upon. (2 Story Const, 
par, 1325, end.) 

There is no rule better settled than that the national proper- 
ty is excepted from the power of the States alike, and not sub- 
ject to taxation and other dispositions under the municipal law 
of the State. 

The following extracts from the decisions of the Supreme 
Court we think settle this proposition of law: 

All the property and all the institutions of the United States 
are constructively without the local, territorial jurisdiction of the 
individual States in every respect, and for every purpose, includ- 
ing that of taxation. (McCulloch 1. Maryland, 4 Wheat, 316, 395.) 

We take it to be a point settled beyond all contradiction or 
question that a State has jurisdiction of all persons and things 
within its territory which do not belong to some other jurisdic- 
tion, such as the representatives of foreign Governments, with 

[94] 



their houses and eflfects, and property belonging to or in the use 
of the Government of the United States. (Coe v. Errol, 116 U. S 
517, 524; Van Brocklin v. Tennessee. 117 U. S. 151, 178.) 

In the light of these principles it cannot be contended that 
the principal law of any state, to the effect that buildings annexed 
to the freehold become a part thereof, is applicable to buildings 
which are the property of the United States. 

The principle stated in Camfield v. United States (167 U. S. 
518), relative to the public domain of the United States completely 
at the mercy of State Legislation, is equally applicable to the 
other public property of the United States. 

In this connection your attention is invited to the opinion 
of Attorney General Miller to the Secretary of War (20 Op. Atty. 
Gen. 284), holding that Congress has the right to authorize the 
removal or sale of improvements made by the Government by 
large expenditures of money by mistake on lands covered by a 
Mexican land grant, so far as the right of the owner of the land 
was concerned. 

Responding generally to the inquiries of your letter, I beg 
to say that inasmuch as title to North Island has not vested in 
the United States, Congress might, if it were so inclined, repeal 
the statute under which these proceedings were brought, and 
provide in the repealing act that the Secretaries of War and Navy 
shall retain possession of such part of the land as may be needed 
for the purposes of selling or economically salvaging or remov- 
ing the property of the Government therefrom, and specifically 
provide that in the event the claimants and the Secretaries of War 
and Navy can not agree as to just compensation for the use and 
occupation of the land, or any part thereof, by the Government, 
from the date of the proclamation of the President until the prop- 
erty of the Government has been removed and possession of the 
land relinquished, the claimants may present their claims for such 
use and occupation for adjudication in the Court of Claims. 

Respectfully, 

A. Mitchell Palmer. 

Attorney General." 



By way of explanation I will state that the reason 
Mr. Butler wrote to the Attorney-General for his opin- 
ion as to the abandonment of North Island, was that he 
had been reading House Document No. 14, 52nd Con- 
.srress, 1st session, which included a letter of May 6, 1891, 
from Mr. E. S. Babcock, President of the Coronado 
Beach Company, offering land on North Island at a price 
to be fixed by commissioners to be appointed by the Presi- 
dent of the United States, per copy attached : 

[95] 



"Page 19— H. Doc. 14 
52— 1st. 

"Coronado, Cal., May 6, 1891. 
Deaf Sir: 

In accordance with the advertisement published in the San Diego 
Union, asking for proposals for a site for a military post at San 
Diego, Cal., this company submits the following proposition : 

The Coronado Beach Company offers to the Government, at a 
price to be fixed by commissioners to be appointed by the President 
of the United States, 640 acres of what is known as 'North Island', 
Coronado Beach, which lies nearest the mouth of the harbor. 

In the event that the above-mentioned tract is taken the Coro- 
nado Beach Company will deed to the Government, free of charge, 
whatever land the Government may need for the establishment of 
batteries on any portion of its propert)^ lying to the southward of 
the Hotel del Coronado. 

The Coronado Beach Company will also, at its own expense, con- 
nect the said tract of 640 acres with its present system of water pipes, 
and furnish the famous Coronado water to the Government at 15 
cents per 1,000 gallons. 

The Coronado Beach Company will also connect said tract of 
640 acres with its steam motor line to the ferr}', now being used to 
connect Coronado with San Diego, free of expense to the Gov- 
ernment. 

The Coronado Beach Company will also grant the right of way, 
and ferry and wharf privileges, in connection with the said 640 acre 
tract, to or through any other portion of said North Island, so that 
should it be desired the Goverimient could have communication with 
the mainland through any portion of said North Island, and own its 
own ferry. 

Yours truly, 

Coronado Beach Company, 
By E. S. Babcock, President. 
Major A. S. Kimball, 

Quartermaster, U. S. Army, Los Angeles, Cal." 

Mr. Butler had also read a letter signed by Chas. T. 
Hinde, acting- President of the Coronado Beach Com- 
pany, concerning lands needed by the Government for 
military purposes, making a definite offer. I am also 
attaching copy of this letter, dated June 9, 1891 : 

"Page 18— H. Doc. 14 
52nd, 1st. 

"Coronado, Cal., June 9, 1891. 
Dear Sir : 

In accordance with the advertisement published in the San Diego 
Union, asking for proposals for a site for a military post at San 
Diego, Cal., the company submits the following proposition : 

[96] 



The Coronado Beach Company will deed to the Government a 
tract of land of a size ranging from 640 to 800 acres, said tract to 
embrace that portion of what is known as 'North Island', Coronado 
Beach, California, lying nearest the mouth of the harbor of San 
Diego at the following prices: 

(1) For all land of said tract, subject to occasional submerg- 
ence by tide water, $200 per acre. 

(2) For all land of said tract not subject to submergence by tide 
water, $300 per acre. 

In the event that the above proposition is accepted by the Gov- 
ernment, the Coronado Beach Company will, at its own expense, 
connect the tract of land purchased by the Government with its 
present system of water pipes, and furnish the famous Coronado 
water to the Government at 15 cents per 1,000 gallons. 

The Coronado Beach Company will also grant the right of way, 
and ferry and wharf privileges, in connection with said tract of land, 
to or through anv other portion of said North Island, so that, should 
it be desired, the Government could have communication with the 
mainland through any portion of said North Island, and operate its 
own ferry. 

The Coronado Beach Company will also deed to the Government, 
free of charge, whatever land the latter may need for the establish- 
ment of batteries located to the southward of the Hotel del Coronado. 

Yours truly, 

Coronado Beach Company, 
Bv Chas. T. Hinde, Acting President. 
Maj. A. S. Kimball, 

Quartermaster, U. S. Army, Los Angeles, Cal." 

I assured Mr. Bntler that the San Diego of 1891 and 
the San Diego of 1917 were two different places, owing 
to the progress that had been made by that city. 

Hon. R. Walton Moore of Virginia took a very 
prominent part at this time, and insisted that the Naval 
Affairs Committee take immediate action to the end that 
North Island be vacated by the government, as suggested 
by the Attorney-General, A. Mitchell Palmer, in his let- 
ter of January 28, 1921, as he thought the price was ex- 
orbitant. With the assistance of Mr. Fred A. Britten, 
member of the Naval Committee, we were able to show 
that the government had paid practically as much for 
land at Norfolk, Virginia, as they had at North Island. 
We were further able to show that the whole Navy had 
strongly recommended the Alameda site on San Fran- 
cisco Bay, which would cost the government, according 

[97] 



to the estimate of the Bureau of Yards and Docks, at 
least $6,000 an acre, and that would be a great deal more 
than North Island cost them. 

The case was carried to the Supreme Court of the 
United States as stated above. On December 30, 1921, 
Mr. John D. Spreckels, appeared before the Federal 
Court in Los Angeles where he was handed a check for 
$6,098,333.33 being the $5,000,000.00 for North Island 
and $1,098,333.33 interest. 

"Spreckels Companies 
General Offices Union Building. 
President's Office 

San Diego, California, March 5, 1921. 
Congressman William Kettner, 

Washington, D. C. 
My dear Mr. Kettner : 

Mr. Clayton handed me your letter of February fourteenth to- 
gether with copy of hearings of January seventeenth, with regard to 
the North Island case. Naturally, I was very much interested. _ 1 
certainly do appreciate what you have done in this matter and wish 
to thank you very sincerely. 

Yours very truly, 

John D. Spreckels, 

President." 



"Spreckels Companies 
General Offices Union Building, 
President's Office 

San Diego, California, March 11, 1919. 
William Kettner, Esq., 

House of Representatives, 
Washington, D. C. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

I have had a letter today from Mr. Paul Shoup, sending me 
copy of the agreement entered into between Mr. Shoup, on behalf 
of the San Diego & Arizona Railway, and the Government in con- 
nection with the repair and extension of the old Coronado line to 
Spanish Bight and thence across a bridge to North Island. Mr. 
Shoup in his letter says: 

'I want you to know that it would have been impos- 
sible, in my judgment, to have reached any satisfactory 
conclusion in this rather uncertain situation without the 
most effective and hearty co-operation of Mr. Kettner.' 

[98] 



I wish to express to you my high appreciation of your kind 
offices in this matter which, while it was necessary to the Gov- 
ernment in connection with the use of North Island, was a some- 
what difficult transaction to bring to a satisfactory conclusion. 

Moreover, it must be a great satisfaction to you to feel that 
your own ability in congressional and government matters has 
been such as to command the respect of high officials in Govern- 
ment circles. 

With very kind regards, believe me, 
Sincerely yours, 

John D. Spreckels, 

President." 

Aero-Radio Message — North Island. 

I am quite proud of a little message which I have 
framed in my office, for it demonstrates the rapid pro- 
gress made in aeroplane-radio telegraphy at Rockwell 
Field, North Island. 

On September 2, 1916, aeroplane No. 50, piloted by 
A. D. Smith and equipped with a 20-mile radio sending 
set, operated by Lieut. Robertson, and aeroplane No. 51, 
piloted by Lieut. Dargue and equipped with radio re- 
ceiving set, operated by Capt. Culver, demonstrated the 
possibility of communicating by radio from one aero- 
plane to another while both were in full flight. Mr. Geo. 
Burnham and I were at North Island and Colonel Wil- 
liam A. Glassford, who was then in command of Army 
Aviation turned to me when the first machine had gone 
up in the air and said: 

**Now you write the message." 

I looked at George Burnham and said, "George, you 
have the honor of writing the message." 

George wrote the message and handed it to Lieuten- 
ant Robertson who took to the air with his machine. 
Captain Culver received the message successfully, then 
returned to the ground and handed it to me before Lieu- 
tenant Robertson landed. During the transmission of 
the message the machines were some two miles apart and 
at somewhat less than a thousand feet altitude. This 

[99] 



was the first time in the history of the world that this 

was accompHshed. The message reads: 

"National aviation field sets new world record." 
There have been many wonderful records made at 

North Island, but I prize this message particularly, as I 

had the pleasure of witnessing the record-breaking stunt. 



[100] 







>> ^ 



.«'-.= 



# k;' >ii' 







NAVAL HOSPITAL 



The first person to call my attention to the possibility 
of having a permanent naval hospital at San Diego was 
Dr. H. C. Curl, Captain U. S. N., stationed at the tem- 
porary hospital of the Naval Training station, Balboa 
Park. 

Mr. Walter Moore, Councilman, now passed away, 
was first to bring the site to my notice. In the beginning 
I rather doubted that the people of San Diego would vote 
the land shown me in the park by Mr. Moore. Knowing 
the handsome way in which the Navy takes care of its 
unfortunates, and having in mind the splendid naval 
hospital in Washington I soon satisfied myself that with 
the assistance of Mr. Walter Moore, Dr. Curl and others 
interested, we could bring this before the Naval officials 
in \\^ashington so strongly, that they would without 
doubt desire the site, and erect a naval hospital so badly 
needed for the augmented fleet. 

The Common Council in their usual enthusiastic man- 
ner placed this proposition on the ballot, with others, 
and the people concurred by a vote of some ten to one. 

A representative of the Naval Board of Inspection 
visited San Diego shortly thereafter and recommended 
the location. Several of the members of the Naval Af- 
fairs Committee in the meantime had visited San Diego 
and inspected it. With the assistance of these members 
the bill accepting the gift of the city went through the 
committee and the Congress, as no department can ac- 
cept a gift of land. This is a prerogative of Congress. 

It was found that an unexpended sum of $500,000 
held in the Navy Department could be applied imme- 
diately toward starting the work, and an appropriation 
of $1,975,000 was made later in the regular naval ap- 

[ 101 ] 



propriation bill. We have today nearing completion one 
of the finest naval hospitals in the world. 

"San Diego Chamber of Commerce 
San Diego, California. 

August 27th, 1919. 
Honorable William Kettner, 

Spreckels Bldg., 
San Diego, California. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

In order to keep my files complete on the various important 
projects now under way under your guidance for naval improve- 
ments at San Diego, will you kindly furnish me with the fol- 
lowing: 

1. Copy of telegram you received from the Secretary of the 
Navy regarding establishment of Naval Hospital here, together 
with your reply or any other matters pertaining thereto. 

2. Copy of telegram from the Secretary of the Navy regard- 
ing the tract of land for Naval warehouse, and similarly your 
reply or any other matters pertaining thereto. 

3. Copy of your telegram regarding the use of the Concrete 
Ship plant and replies or other matters referring thereto. 

You will no doubt understand that I have only one purpose 
in getting this information and that is to keep the Chamber of 
Commerce files up-to-date, so that we can render ourselves more 
efficiently helpful in bringing about with your good aid, the ex- 
pediting of these important matters. 

Sincerely yours, 

Melville Klaueer, 

President." 

Extract from letter written by Gen. W. C. Braisted : 

"Washington, D. C. 

April 11, 1919. 
My dear Mr. Kettner : 

I am very glad indeed to have your letter of the 2nd instant 
telling me of the visit of the Committee to the proposed hospital 
site at San Diego. A Naval hospital at that place would certainly 
be of immense help to us with a very splendid promise for ex- 
cellent results. 

With best wishes, I am. 

Very sincerely yours, 

W. C. Braisted, 
Surgeon General, U. S. Navy. 
Honorable Wm. Kettner, M. C. 
334-5 Spreckels Bldg., 
San Diego, California." 

[102] 



"City Attorney 

San Diego, California, 

September 4, 1919. 
Honorable William Kettner, 
Member of Congress, 
Spreckels Bldg., 

San Diego, California. 
My dear Sir: 

We have today secured the signature of the Mayor and City 
Clerk, on behalf of the City of San Diego, to the deeds convey- 
ing to The United States of America a portion of Balboa Park 
for the use of the United States Navy as a site for a naval hos- 
pital; portions of the tide lands for the use of the United States 
Navy as a site for an emergency fleet plant; and portions of the 
tide lands for the use of the United States Navy as a site for a 
supply base. 

Mr. Cosgrove, the City Attorney, has directed that we com- 
municate with you, and ask to be informed as to whom these deeds 
should be delivered. Any information in this connection will be 
greatly appreciated. 

Very truly yours, 

S. J. HiGGINS, 

Deputy City Attorney." 



"Washington, D. C. 

October 23. 1920. 
My dear Congressman : 

Your letter of the 15th instant and the accompanying picture 
of the Naval Hospital site in San Diego were received yesterday. 
I want to thank you very heartily for your remembrance and 
for the interesting picture which I am having framed for its pres- 
ervation and will hang in the Bureau. 

With sincere expression of my esteem and hoping to see you 
soon, I am, 

Very sincerely, 

W. C. Braisted, 
Surgeon General, U. S. Navy. 
Honorable William Kettner, M. C, 
334-5 Spreckels Bldg., 
San Diego, California." 



"Navy Department, 

Bureau of Yards and Docks 

Washington, D. C. 

May 22, 1920. 
My dear Congressman : 

In accordance with your suggestion there is being forwarded 
to you, under separate cover, a pen and ink perspective of the 
proposed hospital buildings at Balboa Park. There is also in- 
closed a colored perspective. The construction of the buildings 

[103] 



as indicated on the sketch will probably be of terra cotta block 
stuccoed and the roofs will be covered with red tile. The Bureau 
has not completed the finished drawings for the work, but the 
architectural style used will harmonize with the 'mission' type 
of California. 

Funds are not available for the entire layout as shown, but 
it is expected to complete the Administration Building, t^yo ward 
buildings, — one on either side of the Administration Building, — 
and the service buildings. The first work will provide for 300 
beds, and the total number in the finished project will be 500 
with a greater emergency capacity. The entire personnel may 
reach 1000. 

The Bureau has endeavored to eliminate from the plan any 
service on the main road in front of the hospital that might make 
the driveway objectionable for pleasure vehicles. It is desired 
to keep open the present attractive drive to the exposition site 
through the hospital grounds which command exceptionally fme 
views of the city, ocean and mountains. A separate study will be 
made for the landscape effects. This Bureau, as well as the 
Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, appreciates your offer and that 
of the Park Commissioners of San Diego, to cooperate in every 
way to make the hospital grounds in keeping with the adjacent 
beautiful city parkings. 

Very truly yours, 

R. E. Bakenhus." 



"Fred E. Lindley 

Member Seventy-ninth Assembly District 

California Legislature 

Forty-third Session 

1919 

Assembly 

San Diego, California, June 29, 1920. 

Hon. William Kettner, M. C, 
334-5 Spreckels Bldg., 
San Diego, California. 
Dear Sir and Friend : 

I have examined the letter from Mr. Egerton, Solicitor of 
the Navy Department, and the other matters submitted by you 
concerning title to land given by the City of San Diego for a 
Navy Training Station, Hospital site in Balboa Park, Warehouse 
site at the foot of Broadway, and the tract now occupied by the 
Concrete Shipbuilding Plant. 

Regarding the requirement of 'ratification of grant by city 
electors and confirmation by State Legislature,' I am pleased to 
say to you that in my opinion the city electors will ratify the grant 
by an almost unanimous vote on August 3rd, the date fixed by 
our City Council for the election on that question. 

Ratification by the State Legislature is practically a matter of 
form. These park and tide lands belong to the City, and from 

[104] 



my experience and knowledge of the situation, the legislature will 
promptly approve and ratify any grant which the people of the 
city make regarding these lands. 

As you know the next session of the California Legislature 
convenes in January, 1921, but I sincerely hope that the Federal 
Government will not delay acceptance of these titles on this 
ground, for the approval of the Legislature will certainly come 
as a matter of course. 

If there is anything that I can do to assist you in these mat- 
ters I shall be more than glad to do so. 

Very truly yours, 

Fred E. Lindley." 

Customs Collection District San Diego. 

One of the last bills signed by President William H. 
Taft was one authorizing the reduction of the number 
of Collectors of Ports throughout the United States. 
This act abolished the Collector of the Port of San 
Diego, even in the face of the fact that San Diego had 
been an independent port since 1848, nearly 100 years. 
It was created an independent district when the United 
States took over California from Mexico and remained 
such until the act of Congress, signed by President Taft 
in 1913. 

The people of San Diego were very much exorcised 
over it, and of course I did everything within my power 
to have the Port restored, but failed until Mr, Carter 
Glass became Secretary of the Treasury. I had served 
in the Congress with him and we became personal 
friends. When the great event of driving the golden 
spike of the San Diego & Arizona railroad was com- 
pleted, there was an editorial concerning the same in the 
'Wall Street Journal" showing how the commerce of 
this port was bound to grow, and also stating that the 
Southern Pacific Railroad intended to make San Diego 
one of its terminals. 

With this editorial and all other facts showing why 
this port of San Diego never should have been abolished, 
I called on the Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. Carter 
Glass, with the result that an Executive Order was 

[105] 



made restoring our port. I herewith attach Executive 
order and the letters from Mr. Carter Glass, now U. S. 
Senator from Virginia, on this transaction. I do not 
know of any thing that has given me more happiness 
than this. 

"Executive Order. 

Pursuant to the Act of Congress approved August 1, 1914, 
making provision for the sundry civil expenses of the Govern- 
ment for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1915, the Customs Col- 
lection District of Southern California designated as No. 27, with 
headquarters at Los Angeles, California, is hereby abolished, and 
the following Customs Collection Districts are created in its 
stead, viz: 

The Customs Collection District of Los Angeles to comprise 
all that part of the State of California lying south of 35° north 
latitude, excepting the counties of San Diego and Imperial, with 
a port of entry and headquarters at Los Angeles, the said Cus- 
toms Collection District to be designated as No. 27; the Customs 
Collection District of San Diego to comprise the counties of San 
Diego and Imperial in the State of California, with headquarters 
at San Diego, and with ports of entry at San Diego, Calexico, 
Campo, and Tia Juana, the said Customs Collection District to 
be designated as No. 25. 

The salary of the Collector of Customs for the District of 
Los Angeles shall be $5000 per annum. The salary of the Col- 
lector of Customs for the District of San Diego shall be $5000. 

WooDROw Wilson. 
The White House. 
2 February, 1920. No. 3220. 

((In Carter Glass's own handwriting:) 'To my fine Friend and 
former Colleague. With warmest affection. 

Carter Glass.' " 
Feb'y 10/20. 

A copy of the letter sent by Mr. J. P. Tumulty, Sec- 
retary to the President, transmitting the Executive 
Order. 

"The White House 
Washington 

February 2, 1920. 
My dear Mr. Secretary : 

The President signed and sent to the State Department today 
the Executive Order abolishing the present Customs Collection 
District of Southern California and creating in its stead the Cus- 
toms Collection Districts of Los Angeles and San Diego, with 

[106] 



> 



o^ 




headquarters ports at Los Angeles and San Diego, respectively, 
transmitted with your letter of January 29th, 1920. 
Sincerely yours, 

(Signed) J. P. Tumulty, 

Secretary to the President. 
Hon. Carter Glass, 
Secretary of the Treasury. 
(In handwriting of Carter Glass.) 
'Here you are; My part of 
the job finished. C. G.' " 



"Assistant Secretary 

Treasury Department, 
Washington, 

February 9, 1920. 

Honorable William Kettner, 

House of Representatives. 
My dear Congressman : 

I have your letter of the 7th instant stating that the business 
interests of San Diego have endorsed C. D. Sprigg, now Deputy 
Collector, for appointment as Collector of the Port of that place. 
I also note your personal endorsement of Mr. Sprigg. 

I understood from our telephone conversation a few days ago 
that Mr. Sprigg's appointment was entirely agreeable to Senator 
Phelan and that you would see that an endorsement by Senator 
Phelan came to me at an early date. Won't you be good enough 
to give this your attention so that I may proceed to make the 
appointment? 

Sincerely yours, 

JOUETT S HOUSE, 

Assistant Secretary. 
P. S. — Since dictating the 
above I have been trying to get 
you on the telephone to inform you 
that I have received endorsement of 
Mr. Sprigg by Senator Phelan, and am proceeding 
with the appointment at once. J. S." 



"Treasury Department, 
United States Customs Service 

San Diego, Cal., February 14, 1920. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

Representative in Congress, 
Washington, D. C. 
My dear Bill : 

Thanks for your wire of the 10th instant in reference to com- 
pensation of the collectorship, which I found on my desk on re- 
turn from a short trip in the country. 

[107] 



While I know it is needless to express myself to you, I can- 
not refrain from letting you know how much I appreciate your 
efforts in my behalf. My personal gratification in reaching the 
goal after twenty-six years in the Customs Service is really sec- 
ondary to my keen delight in the restoration of the old San Diego 
District, and you have my highest admiration for your masterly 
efforts in bringing about such result. 

I'd like to feel your hearty hand-shake again, and be able 
to tell you personally how thankful I am to you. 

I am, my dear Bill, 

Yours most gratefully, 

C. D. Sprigg." 

A copy of a letter which came to me later from Sen- 
ator Glass: 

"United States Senate. 
Committee on Appropriations. 

January 24, 1923. 
My dear Kettner: 

It was indeed most agreeable to have a line from you. I 
frequently think of both you and Mrs. Kettner and always with 
respect and affection. I also frequently think of San Diego and 
never without wishing that it may go forward to great prosperity. 
Since its restoration to the position of port of entry was the only 
official act of mine in all my public career which was based purely 
on personal consideration, I am glad to note from the clipping 
attached to your letter that it has been justified by the business 
actually done. I hope sometime to come out and see you and 
your beautiful city. 

With cordial regards, 

Sincerely your friend, 

(Signed) Carter Glass. 
Hon. William Kettner, 
305 Spreckels Building, 
San Diego, California." 



Appointment to Naval Affairs Committee. 

My friends will wonder why I resigned from the 
Rivers and Harbors Committee after having been a 
member for several years and having advanced close to 
the chairmanship of the committee, but as they must re- 
member, San Diego had received harbor appropriations 
amounting to a little over $1,000,000 during my office, 

[108] 



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and I also had an approved survey which would give 
several thousands in the future. 

I have always been very fond of the Navy and had a 
dream for a long time that San Diego could be made a 
naval port. Speaking of the dream, I believe it dates 
from 1908 when the Evans Fleet landed in San Diego 
and I was chairman of the program committee. It seems 
that the general committee had overlooked the program 
and I was called in at the last minute. My name was sug- 
gested to the committee by my good friend Colonel L, S. 
McLure. Colonel D. C. Collier, who was prominent in 
all affairs at that time, seconded the motion, and I am 
happy to say I must have filled their expectations. I 
was informed of my appointment Thursday night and 
on Monday morning we had the program ready for the 
committee, thanks to Messrs. Frye & Smith, who worked 
their men all Saturday and Sunday night. I received the 
following letter from Mr. Clayton, who was chairman 
and director general of the reception committee : 

"Executive Committee of 
Evans Fleet Celebration Committee 
William Clayton, Director General. 

San Diego, California. 
William Kettner, Esq.. April 28, 1908. 

San Diego, California. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

I want to put in writing what I have already said to you in 
regard to the service rendered by you to the Evans Fleet Cele- 
bration. At the eleventh hour you were selected to get up the 
official program in connection with the celebration. In twenty- 
four hours your program was on the press, which in my mind 
was a remarkable piece of work for the very short time you had 
at your disposal and the field you had to cover. 

I appreciate highly the services you rendered to the Celebra- 
tion Committee and am glad it has given me the opportunity of 
meeting you personally and learning how effectively your abilities 
and energies can be combined. 

Believe me. 

Yours very sincerely, 

(Signed) W. Clayton, 

Director General." 

[109] 



Upon tendering my resignation from the Rivers and 
Harbors Committee, see hearings on H. R. 10069, held 
before that committee, the following remarks were made, 
January 9, 1918: 

"The Chairman (John H. Small): I have just had a piece 
of information that brings regret to me and I am sure will to the 
committee. Mr. Kettner has accepted a position on the Comm.it- 
tee on Naval Aflfairs, and is going to tender his resignation as a 
member of this committee. Personally, I regret the severance 
of his relations with the committee very much. He was alw?ys 
agreeable and pleasant and has certainly always been most active 
and unselfish in his service on the committee. 

Mr. Osborne: I especially want to protest against Mr. Kett- 
ner's going. I feel I shall be very lonely, from California, with- 
out his presence. And I am particularly concerned, having for 
40 years lived out there in the sunny climate of California, and 
never having spent a winter in all that time in the East, about 
spending so much time, as I do, in this cold room. I feel his 
withdrawing will very appreciably lower the temperature. His 
genial smile is always a source of comfort and pleasure. 

Mr. Dupre: You mean 'warmth', too. 

Mr. Osborne: Yes, and I desire to express my great regret 
that he is going to leave this committee; although I am sure he 
will do fine service wherever he is placed. 

Mr. Frear: I suggest that be put in print and that we all 
sign it as expressing the views of the committee. 

Mr. Kettner: Mr. Chairman, I want to assure you, and the 
committee that it is with deep regret that I am leaving this com- 
mittee. The chairman, the committee, and every member of the 
Corps of Engineers have been extremely kind to me, and my 
associations have been very, very pleasant. But, as the chairman 
stated, my people have requested me to become a member, if 
possible, of the Committee on Naval Aflfairs, as there is but one 
member west of the Rockies— from the State of Oregon— on that 
committee, and they thought it only right and proper that the 
great State of California should be represented on the Naval 
Affairs Committee. I thought it my duty to comply with their 
request, but I want to assure you again that it is with deep regret 
that I tender my resignation. 

Mr. Frear: You understand, then, you have been drafted. 

Mr. Kettner: More or less; yes." 



[110] 



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INVESTIGATING COMMISSIONS 



Helm Report 

When Mr. Wm. D. Stephens was a member of the 
Committee on Naval Affairs in Congress, he did every- 
thing in his power to the end that we might have an in- 
creased naval protection on the Pacific Coast and was 
the cause of the following amendment being inserted in 
the naval bill : 

(Page 17 of Public No. 241, 64th Congress, H. R. 15947.) 

"The President is hereby authorized to appoint a commission of 
five officers of the Navy, not below the rank of commander, to inves- 
tigate and report at the beginning of the next regular session of Con- 
gress, if practicable, and if not, as soon thereafter as practicable, as 
to the necessity, desirability, and advisability of establishing an addi- 
tional navy yard or naval station on the Pacific Coast of the United 
States. And if such a navy yard or naval station be recommended as 
necessary and advisable, said report shall designate the most suitable 
site and the estimated cost thereof, together with a detailed statement 
of the reasons for such designation and the nature and scope of the 
activities for naval purposes of such yard or station. In arriving at 
such designation the commission shall take into consideration all 
strategical and other military considerations as well as all industrial 
elements necessary for the economical and successful operation of 
such a yard or station, including local conditions as to labor and 
material. Said report shall also contain an estimated cost of the 
necessary buildings, shops, piers, sea walls, and equipment of said 
yard or station together with the estimated annual cost of maintenance 
thereof. 

Said commission shall also investigate and report upon the neces- 
sity, desirability, and advisability of improving existing or establish- 
ing an additional navy yards or naval station on the Atlantic coast 
south of Cape Hatteras or on or near the United States coast of the 
Gulf of Mexico or in the Caribbean Sea of a character adequate for 
the proper naval defense of that portion of the country. Said report 
shall contain all the information of like character as directed in the 
preceding paragraph relating to the investigation and report as to the 
Pacific coast. 

Said commission shall also investigate and report as to the neces- 
sity, desirability, and advisability of establishing submarine and avia- 
tion bases on the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Pacific coasts and 
other possessions of the United States, and as to the cost and location 
thereof; 

Provided, That the sum of $10,000 is hereby appropriated to de- 

[111] 



fray the expenses of said commission, including drafting, technical 
and clerical assistance in the Navy Department or elsewhere. 

Said commission shall also investigate and report as to the neces- 
sity, desirability, and advisability of abolishing any existing navy yard 
or naval station, and if such action is recommended, to report fully 
the reasons therefor and the advantages to be obtained thereby." 

This commission known as the "Helm Commission" 
made its report, but nothing was recommended for San 
Diego except an aviation station at North Island. In 
fact, resembling the latter part of Admiral Dewey's let- 
ter, it reported as follows: 

(Extract from the "Preliminary Report of the Navy Yard Commis- 
sion," Dec. 1946 Part 3— 64th Congress, 2nd Session.) 
"Commission on Navy Yards and Naval Stations 

The strategic position of the coast of Southern California and the 
degree of defensibility of its harbors was commented upon in Report 
No. 2. It may be noted here that this important section of the coast, 
from Point Arguello to the Mexican boundary, over 200 nautical 
miles in extent, includes San Diego, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara, 
and has long stretches of undefended coast where the landing of 
troops is practicable a greater part of the time. Submarines, assisted 
by aircraft, are indispensable to the defense of this stretch of coast. 

San Diego, as compared with the other principal harbors of the 
regions under consideration, is at a considerable disadvantage. Its 
proximity to the Mexican border, with no physical obstruction be- 
tween it and foreign territory, renders it especially vulnerable in re- 
pelling invasion from that quarter. Its present railroad and steam- 
ship transportation facilities are inferior to those possessed by another 
city comparatively near at hand in the same region. Its commercial 
importance cannot be regarded at the present time as of the first 
order nor is it at present the natural outlet of a large interior sup- 
porting territory. The available anchorage space within the harbor 
in 35 to 40 foot depths of water is restricted. The supply of .skilled 
labor is limited, and there are practically no large machine shops, 
shipbuilding or ship-repair facilities. 

The present fortifications are not of the first order, and a navy 
yard established within the harbor would by its natural situation near 
the open sea, be subject to direct attack by naval forces. 

In gauging the merits of San Diego as a possible location for an 
additional navy yard, the commission is of the opinion that it cannot 
receive favorable consideration in view of other available and more 
desirable sites. Its fine climate and other natural advantages will be 
given full consideration, however, in connection with the recommenda- 
tion of the commission for the establishment at San Diego of a main 
aviation training base. This subject will be treated in Report No. 3 
on submarine and aviation bases, as will also its advisability as a 
submarine operating base in time of war. 

[112] 



* * * In a report on submarine bases, dated April 21, 1916, 
and reaffirmed on November 8, 1916, recommending where they should 
be located and analyzing them in order of relative importance, the 
General Board of the Navy placed as No. 2 on this list a submarine 
base for training on the Southern California coast, the choice to he 
between San Diego and Los Angeles, and not to be decided until an 
inspection has been made on the ground. No. 1 on this list was the 
existing training station at New London, Conn. 

Service opinion in this matter appears from reports received to 
have crystallized in holding that the best location on the Facitic 
coast for a main submarine training station is on the Southern Cali- 
fornia coast, in either Los Angeles Harbor or San Diego Bay. ihese 
are the only two regions in Southern California available tor selec- 
tion which have in suitable degree all the requisite characteristics, not 
only as regards good training and torpedo-practice grounds but also 
as regards the possession of suitably protected harbors with fixed 
defenses Certain general characteristics of these harbors have been de- 
scribed in paragraph four, and detailed description thereof is given in 
Appendixes B 2 and C 2, attached hereto. As between San Diego and 
Los Angeles, the former has possibly been named more often in 
general reports received bv this commission, but specific reports from 
officers of long experience with submarine or destroyers on the Facihc 
coast indicate a decided preference for Los Angeles. Reference to 
San Diego in these general reports, is, however, often made in the 
form, 'San Diego region' or 'San Diego-Los Angeles , implying that 
the region rather than the individual places was intended, i his is 
doubtless due in part to the fact that the service generally is better 
informed concerning San Diego Bay than it is concerning Los An- 
geles Harbor, especially since the recent improvements in the latter 
have been undertaken. In climate, comparative freedom from fog 
suitable depth of water and good bottom, suitable torpedo ranges, and 
other requirements for the satisfactory and economical operation ot a 
main submarine training base these two harbors of Southern Cali- 
fornia offer special advantages, and the commission fully concurs 
with official reports and service opinion that the main submarine 
training base should be located at one or the other. 

22 As to whether such base shall be located at Los Angeles or at 
San Diego can be determined by comparison of the following ele- 
ments • (1) Comparative advantages as regards submarine training 
grounds, and torpedo-practice grounds; (2) Cornparative necessity 
for and usefulness of such a base from the standpoint oi local de- 
fense in time of war ; (3) Comparative advantages of sites available 
for selection of a base. 

23. The above comparison will be made successively. 
(1) As regards the best training grounds and the best torpedo- 
practice grounds. The commission has obtained the views of many 
officers who have had long practical experience on the Pacific coast 
in command of submarines and torpedo vessels. Their views are 
definite, and lean very strongly toward Los Angeles. A recent com- 
manding officer of the coast torpedo force of the Pacific Fleet states 
that at Los Angeles— one of the finest submarine training grounds 
and torpedo firing grounds exists." 

[113] 



Then follows reports of several officers all favoring 
Los Angeles, and one makes this comparison: 

* * * "the only ports possessing all the above advantages are 
Los Angeles Harbor and Long Beach Harbor. These both utilize 
the same body of water for operations. San Diego has about the 
same advantages, except that there is always a large ground swell oflF 
the entrance to the harbor and the excessive amount of kelp would 
offer serious difficulties in torpedo work." * * * 

The report continues: 

* * * "The views expressed in the foregoing quotations appear 
to represent the general service opinion of those who have had re- 
cent experience in submarine and torpedo work on the Pacific coast. 
San Diego has many of the good qualities of Los Angeles Harbor 
(San Pedro), but Los Angeles offers an available site very near the 
operating grounds for submarine and torpedo practice, with com- 
parative freedom from ocean swell. Los Angeles is also free from 
the large kelp fields which are a distinct disadvantage in torpedo 
work further down the coast. 

* * * The climatic conditions in San Diego and Los Angeles 
are similar, and perhaps, if anything, San Diego has the advantage 
in this respect. San Diego is at a disadvantage as compared with 
Los Angeles in the distance that would be traveled— about 6 miles— 
from the base inside the harbor to and from the firing point. This 
is undesirable on account of the extra time involved in making daily 
practice runs submerged. As regards existing shop and repair facili- 
ties Los Angeles Harbor and vicinity offer many advantages over San 
Diego. The conclusion reached by the commission is that very 
definite advantage lies with Los Angeles. 

* * * San Diego has a much smaller population than Los 
Angeles, and the surrounding territory is not so well developed, nor 
does it offer the advantages of the latter in the way of repair facili- 
ties and supplies of all kinds. For the same reason, it does not offer 
as many inducements for an enemy's attack. 

* * * After careful consideration of all the advantages and 
disadvantages, and giving due weight to the testimony of many officers 
of extensive practical experience in submarine and destroyer work, 
the commission has no hesitation in recommending that the main 
submarine training base on the Southern California coast be located 
at Los Angeles Harbor. 

* * * With a training base at Los Angeles, San Diego's re- 
quirements as regards submarine basing facilities will be met by an 
operating base for use in time of war." 

It will be noted that this Helm Commission was 
authorized by Congress and appointed by the President. 
Nothing is recommended for San Diego except an avia- 
tion base. 

[114] 



McKean Report. 

Later on, our good friend, Josephus Daniels, Secre- 
tary of the Navy, appointed a committee consisting of 
Rear-Admiral J. S. McKean, Rear-Admiral C. W. 
Parks and Commander J. C. Hilton to make a report on 
the Pacific Coast, and this report, which was submitted 
to the Congress by the Secretary, recommends a great 
many things which have been carried out in San Diego. 
Admiral McKean was so impressed with the advantages 
and possibilities of San Diego that, when he was com- 
mander of a battleship division, he brought his ships, 
headed by the U. S. S. "Wyoming", his flagship, in to 
San Diego Bay to be coaled. 

The reader will kindly remember, however, that the 
Helm Report, which I have quoted, and Admiral Dewey's 
letter do not recommend San Diego for extensive op- 
erations. The only items recommended for San Diego 
are in the McKean Report, which commission was not 
authorized by the Congress but appointed by the Secre- 
tary of the Navy, Josephus Daniels. The great part of 
all the activities, however, were started in San Diego 
long before the McKean report. 

The Report of the Commission appointed by Secre- 
tary Daniels carried this item: 

(Page 179— "Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy, 1919.") 
"The board is in agreement with the Helm Commission's report 
as to the necessity of a submarine base on the Pacific coast south of 
San Francisco and agrees with the commission that the most satis- 
factory and available site is that selected at San Pedro, Calif. 

Concerning the aviation site the McKean Commis- 
sion made this report: 

(Page 186— "Report of the Secretary of the Navy, 1919.") 
"The board is in full agreement with the conclusions and recom- 
rnendations of the Helm Commission as to the necessity for an avia- 
tion training and operating station on North Island, San Diego Har- 
bor. The board is further of the opinion that the operations of the 
fleet on the west coast will require additional facilities in San Diego 

[115] 



Harbor, consisting of a supply base, a repair base for all but capital 
ships, and a large addition to the Fuel Supply Base as planned." 

The reader may have some idea of the difficuUy of 
securing appropriations under adverse reports, but even 
after such appropriations had been secured there was 
danger of transfer to other locaHties. Representative 
Osborne brought this out in the hearings on H. R. 4285, 
held before the Committee on Rivers and Harbors in the 
65th Congress, page 13: 

"Mr. Osborne : It seems to me that this would be a practical ap- 
plication of it: It so happens that Mr. Kettner's district and my dis- 
trict are in the same engineer district. Now, if Mr. Kettner in San 
Diego should have an unexpended balance from maintenance, the en- 
gineer of that district, if he should deem it wise to do so, could 
transfer that unexpended balance to the Los Angeles Harbor, could 
he not? He would have the right to do that, would he not? 

Col. Newcomer: "Yes, sir; with the approval of the Chief of En- 
gineers and the Secretary of War. The district engineer could not 
do that alone." 



Congressional Commission. 

In Pubhc No. 243, 66th Congress, H. R. 13,108, ap- 
peared the following item: 

"That a special joint committee is hereby created, to be com- 
posed of five members of the Senate to be appointed by the President 
of the Senate, and five members of the House of Representatives to 
be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The 
committee shall investigate the advisability of establishing, develop- 
ing, and maintaining a naval base on San Francisco Bay or the waters 
tributary thereto. The committee shall prepare comparative esti- 
mates of the cost of acquiring, establishing, developing, and main- 
taining such sites and shall report to the Congress of the United 
States not later than December 31, 1920, the result of its investiga- 
tion, together with such other recommendations, estimates, and in- 
formation as it deems proper, including information concerning a 
deeper channel to Mare Island Navy Yard and a sufficient water 
basin at Mare Island. 

That said committee shall also investigate and report in like 
manner as to the advisability and cost of establishing an aviation base 
at San Point, King County, Washington; a submarine base at Los 
Angeles Harbor (San Pedro), California; and a submarine, destroyer, 
and aviation base at Port Angeles, Washington. 

[116] 




^ "-■¥''' / 




That the Secretary of the Navy is hereby directed to detail such 
technical experts to assist the committee as the committee may request. 

That the expenses of said committee shall be paid, one-half from 
the contingent fund of the House of Representatives and one-half 
from the contingent fund of the Senate, upon vouchers authorized 
by the committee and signed by the chairman thereof ; and for the 
cost of borings and the procuring and collating of all other technical 
data in connection with such investigation, there is hereby appropri- 
ated out of anv moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated 
the sum of $50,000." 

This committee consisted of Senators L. Heisler Ball, 
Henry W. Keyes, Miles Poindexter, Key Pittman, 
Thomas J. Walsh; Representatives Fred A. Britten, F. 
C. Hicks, A. E. B. Stephens, L. P. Padgett and D. J. 
Riordan. 

This committee also concurred with the Helm Report 
in its findings. 

Rodman Commission. 

In the "Report of the Special Board of Shore Estab- 
lishments" appointed by Secretary of the Navy Edwin 
Denby, of date of October 2, 1922, appears the fol- 
lowing : 

"The board also recommends that the following secondary bases 
be developed, to the extent indicated, taking priority for development 
after the six bases listed above. These secondary bases are named 
in the order in which they should be developed. 

San Diego — An operating and supply base for the fleet, especi- 
ally submarines, destroyers, and air craft, with limited facilities for 
their repair ; a main personnel training station ; a Marine Corps base 
and training station." 

This Board consisted of officers of the U. S. Navy as 
follows : 

Admiral Hugh Rodman, Senior Member; Rear Ad- 
miral A. H. Robertson, Rear Admiral W. V. Pratt, Rear 
Admiral J. D. Beuret, Construction Corps; Captain A. 
L. Willard. Captain J. T. Tompkins, Captain R. E. Bak- 
enhus. Civil Engineer Corps; Commander R. M. Gris- 
wold, Recorder. 

[117] 



It will be noted that this commission consisting of 
leading Admirals and other naval officers who had been 
stationed at Los Angeles and San Diego, did not agree 
with the Helm report, nor with the Congressional com- 
mittee, but specifically recommends a submarine base at 
San Diego. 

Co-operation Necessary on Pacific Coast. 

While in San Francisco a few days ago I was told of 
the luncheon given on October 15, 1923, at the Fifth 
National Convention of the American Legion at San 
Francisco, in honor of the American Navy, with Admiral 
Robert E. Coontz, Commander of the entire U. S. fleet, 
as guest of honor. 

Among those present were other officers of the Army 
and Navy, Senator Key Pittman, member of the Naval 
committee of the U. S. Senate; Senator S. M. Shortridge, 
Ex-Senator Jas. D. Phelan, a number of the California 
Representatives and other prominent men in the life of 
the State. 

(Invitation for this affair was inscribed as follows:) 

"LUNCHEON 

in honor of 

The United States Navy 

with 

Admiral Robert E. Coontz, U. S. N. 

as 

The Honored Guest 

given by 

The C. C. Thomas Navy Post No. 244 

of San Francisco 

Acting as 

The Naval Affairs Committee 

of the 

Fifth National Convention 

American Legion 

Ball room 

Palace hotel 

Monday 

Fifteenth October 
Nineteen Hundred 
Twenty-three." 

[118] 




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Admiral Coontz's speech dwelt upon the value of co- 
operation and following is an excerpt given me by a 
member of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce: 

"We had a hard time getting any ships to the Pacific. We have 
only six senators on this side. The Atlantic Coast has twenty-six or 
thirty. We haven't many Navy yards. It took a long time but we 
split that fleet in 1919 and got half of it out here and since that time 
the half was increased. We want places to look out for them. Why 
not get them? A few years ago if anybody had offered the Facitic 
Coast $107,000,000 we would have jumped at it. The time has come 
when something has got to be done. Board after Board has told 
what we want. Look what team work does-look at Puget Sound. 
What a great big fine place it is. Look at San Diego. Look what one 
man did there for San Diego-the training station, air station, de- 
stroyer base, marine camp." 

Admiral Coontz was Chief of Operations of the Navy 
during much of the later construction work in San Diego. 



[119] 



IMPERIAL COUNTY 



This county, lying below the level of the Colorado 
River and with all its new land and irrigation projects, 
takes a great deal of the time of a Member of Congress ; 
but the Imperial Irrigation Districts and the supervisors 
of the county have always sent good men to Washing- 
ton to assist their Representative. 

[Brawley News.] 

^ "February 13, 1915. 

"Mr. Best a winner! $100,000 fund for river passes House. 
Representative William Kettner late yesterday afternoon tele- 
graphed to William H. Best, who was recently an envoy for the 
Valley at W^ashington that the appropriation bill carrying $100,000 
for emergency work on the Colorado River, conditioned upon 
the irrigation district raising another $100,000, passed the House 
yesterday afternoon and would now go to the Senate with excel- 
lent prospects of passage. 

Mr. Best also received a letter yesterday from Representative 
Kettner, in which the congressman congratulated Mr. Best, giv- 
ing him the credit and the highest praise for winning the $100,000 
for the Valley. Mr. Kettner said that $100,000 federal money 
now was equivalent to a million dollars before the European war. 

Mr. Best said nothing at all, but he was plainly very happy 
over the outcome of his work at Washington. He previously 
had said that if $100,000 federal money is expended, as General 
Marshall recommends, on rock revetment work six miles below 
the intake, the rest of the work will be comparatively easy; also 
that the irrigation district will promptly raise the $100,000 stipu- 
lated as a contingent fund by congress. 

What made this money so hard to get through the Com- 
mittee of the Congress, was the fact that they generally agreed 
that it was establishing a precedent to appropriate money to be 
spent outside of the United States. General Marshall of the rec- 
lamation service had the spending of this money and it was spent 
on the strengthening and raising of the levy at Lake Volcano." 

The question of the flood control of the Colorado 
River has been of the utmost importance to the people 
of the Imperial Valley since the great break in the levee 
when it took all of the resources of the Southern 
Pacific Railway system to save the valley from complete 
inundation. There was also the matter of irrigating the 

[120] 



unirrigated lands. Time after time, I presented the mat- 
ter to the Department of the Interior, alone or with com- 
mittees from the Valley, trying to secure the co-opera- 
tion of that Department, necessary before any bill of 
the several introduced could be passed through Congress. 
Possibly it was exasperation at seeing me over and over 
that finally caused the statement to be made to me that 
when we could secure the co-operation of the important 
Imperial Valley interests on some plan that would not be 
antagonistic to the Yuma project, already built by the 
government, the Department would then be in a recep- 
tive mood. As a result, an act, Public 208, 66th Con- 
gress, signed May 18, 1920, directed the Secretary of the 
Interior to have an examination made, reporting the re- 
sult of his investigations concerning unirrigated lands, 
storage of water, and the extent to which the United 
States should contribute toward the cost of the plans 
proposed by him. 

In March, 1915, Secretary Franklin K. Lane visited 
the Imperial Valley, under my escort, for the purpose of 
making a personal investigation into the conditions sur- 
rounding the levee improvement and the Colorado pro- 
tection and irrigation w^ork in progress. He wired me 
prior to his visit as follows: 

"Expect to leave Thursday afternoon and reach San Diego 
Friday afternoon and leave for Imperial Valley Sunday morning. 
I have looked forward to your going to Imperial Valley with 
me, but inasmuch as the vice-president arrives in San Diego on 
Sunday afternoon I presume you will not feel like doing this. 
Can arrangements be made for my transportation from San Diego 
to Imperial valley by automobile, or shall I go direct by train 
from here to the valley?" 

As I stated to the Union, published March 23rd, 
in that paper, 

"Ever since I have been a congressman I have been trying 
to get Secretary Lane to visit the Imperial Valley. I have re- 
ceived a daily average of twelve to fifteen letters a day from resi- 
dents of Imperial about land trouble over there and the Colorado 

[121] 



river project. I want the Secretary to see Imperial in person. 
People in Washington have no idea of what the valley contains. 
I want the secretary to see the extensive improvements and the 
wide area of cultivated land, and also look over the Colorado 
river. In fact, make a general inspection of the valley so that 
he will be able to give the people in Washington a comprehensive 
idea of the extent of Imperial valley, 

"There is much trouble in Imperial over the land locations. 
There have been three surveys made of the land and this has 
caused much annoyance for the settlers in connection with titles 
to their lands. I have been working to have a separate land office 
established in the Imperial district. This has been recommended 
to the proper House committee by the Land Office and is warmly 
supported by Representative Irvine L. Lenroot, chairman of that 
committee. In fact the committee has recommended passage of 
the bill and reported it out of committee. 

"Imperial valley has a tremendous future and its needs will 
no doubt receive favorable treatment at Washington as soon as 
the extent of it is realized." 

One thing which gave me considerable pleasure was 
the creation of a Land Office for the Imperial Valley. 
With new lands being developed and put under irrigation 
it was exceedingly expensive for the settler to go to Los 
Angeles to make his filings, taking with him his wit- 
nesses, and being obliged to stay several days if the busi- 
ness at the land office was congested. There was 
much opposition from Los Angeles, as was natural, but 
it was not a difficult matter to show the probability that 
the business of a new office would more than pay the ex- 
pense of maintaining it, aside from the more effective 
work on the many land matters there, difficult of adjust- 
ment at best. The first appointees were Judge P. C. Farr, 
register, and Phil S. Brooks, receiver. 

"The Secretary of the Interior, 
Washington. 

August 20, 1914. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

House of Representatives. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

I have your letter of the 12th inst. suggesting the advisability 
of a visit by Commissioner Tallman, of the Land Office, to the 
Imperial Valley in connection with the rather extensive business 
that the people of that section have with the General Land Office. 
In reply, permit me to say that if Mr. Tallman can find the 
time in the near future, in connection with his numerous duties, 

[122] 



to visit the Imperial Valley country, it will meet with my ap- 
proval, as it will doubtless prove of benefit, both to the Land 
Office and to the people doing business therewith. However, at 
the present time, with the many important matters, before us, 
and the work we are trying to accomplish, together with the con- 
tinued session of Congress and consequent reference of legis- 
lative matters, I have found it necessary to keep the various chiefs 
of this Department here in Washington practically all of the time. 
Cordially yours, 

Franklin K. Lane." 

Extract of a letter from Hon. Clay Tallman, Com- 
missioner of the General Land Office, dated September 
4, 1914: 

"As you know, during the past year, in behalf of your con- 
stituents, you have had occasion to present many matters to this 
office, and as a result of your very evident sincerity in the in- 
terests of the people of your district, yet with always a desire to 
be eminently fair and just, I have come to place a large degree 
of reliance in whatever you have had occasion to submit. You 
have been indefatigable in your efforts to assist in straightening 
out the rather complicated situation in the Imperial Valley." 



"Department of the Interior, 
General Land Office, 

Washington, October 26, 1915. 
Honorable William Kettner, 
Representative in Congress, 
San Diego, California. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

Permit me again to express to Mrs. Kettner and yourself, 
as well as your friends, our sincere appreciation of the splendid 
treatment shown us while in San Diego on our trip through Im- 
perial Valley recently. While we were treated fine all along the 
line, I know of no place where we were treated with such genuine 
hospitality and good will or where we had such an all-around 
good time as during the four days spent with you. 
With kindest regards, I am. 

Very sincerely, 

Clay Tallman." 



"Hotel Continental 
Washington, D. C. 
My dear Congressman : 

Permit me to express just a little of a very great appreciation 
I feel for your constant encouragement and advice and untiring 

[123] 



efforts in our behalf. We were here a long while, I wonder that 
you did not tire of the sight of us. 

I am leaving tonight for California and hence did not call in 
person. I waited and got the Secretary's letter and the official 
copy of the contract. 

Sincerel3% 

Phil D. Swing." 



"Phil D. Swing, Attorney-at-Law 
6, 7, and 8 Security Savings Bank Building 

El Centro, Cal., Dec. 28th, 1917. 
Honorable William Kettner, 
Congressman, 
Washington, D. C. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

The Imperial Valley Delegation returned from the capitol last 
week with nothing but praise for j'our diligent efforts in their behalf. 
We are disappointed in the results accomplished by them in their 
interview with the Secretary of the Interior and the proposed con- 
tract offered by the Honorable Secretary will never be approved in 
the Imperial Valley. We feel, however, that congress will deal more 
fairly with us and that the proposed bill to create a Colorado River 
Project will meet with universal approval, providing its terms are 
not unfairly burdensome on Imperial Valley. 

However, as I said in the beginning, all members of the delega- 
tion were very loud in their praises of your assistance. They are 
very strong for you. 

Respectfully, 

Phil D. Swing." 



[124] 



RIVERSIDE COUNTY 



"The Mission Inn, Riverside, California 

Hon. William Kettner, Sept. 25, 1914. 

Washington, D. C. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

" I am in receipt of the copy of the Congressional Record 
giving your remarks on Sept. 8th in support of the Riverside Naval 
Orange Anniversary. 

The whole community should be deeply grateful to you tor 
your staunch support of the celebration and for your careful and 
painstaking investigation of the entire subject and for trying 
so hard to make the affair National. 

Personally I thank you most sincerely for your generous 
tribute to the Mission Inn. 

Yours sincerely, 

Frank A. Miller. 
P. S. I made the motion in 
our Chamber to have your remarks 
published in our paper." 

"Riverside Chamber of Commerce 

Riverside, California, 
Dear Mr. Kettner: October 28. 1914. 

Despite your splendid efforts to secure congressional recog- 
nition for the International Citrus Congress and the Navel Or- 
ange Anniversary Celebration we have been compelled to face 
constantly increasing difficulty in bringing our plans to a head, 
chiefly because of the unhappy conditions abroad which are tend- 
ing to make it more and more uncertain whether we could make 
such a congress international in any literal sense. We have 
therefore reluctantly voted to postpone the entire affair. 

You have gone to such extraordinary lengths to secure en- 
dorsement for the project that we are truly embarrassed by the 
necessity of telling you that the project must be dropped for 
the present. Although forced to change our plans we are yet 
wonderfully grateful to you for the diligent, yes enthusiastic, 
support which you have given us. You have carried this matter 
forward in the face of opposition and indifiference and have made 
sentiment for the project against odds which many another con- 
gressman would have thought overwhelming. 
Sincerely yours, 

Riverside Chamber of Commerce, 

Henry L. Graham, President. 
Robert Lee Bettner, 
Chairman Navel Orange Celebration Com, 
Hon. William Kettner, F. M. May, Secretary. 

San Diego, California." 

[125] 



In the 63rd Congress, 2nd session, I assisted in the 
passage of an item for the relief of Mrs. May Stanley, 
widow of Will H. Stanley, superintendent of the Soboba 
Indian School in Riverside County. He lost his life in 
the discharge of his duty, and the bill called for $5,000, 
but was cut down to $3,500. 

Another thing which gives me a great deal of pride 
as I look over the past is the thought of the wonderful 
Indian School or Sherman Institute at Riverside, of 
which Mr. F. M. Conser is the Superintendent. Every 
year during my administration I had the pleasure of 
securing an increased appropriation for this really fine 
institution. 

"Riverside Chamber of Commerce 
Harry L. Boardman, Managing Secretary- 
Written at 
Riverside, California, 
The City Beautiful 

June 5. 1919. 
Hon. William Kettner, M. C. 

Washington, D. C. 
Dear Mr. Kettner: 

Your letter regarding Sherman Institute was read in our 
Directors' meeting last night and Mr. Conser, Supt. of the school, 
spoke of a similar letter received. 

It was the vote of the Board of Directors that we express 
to you our thanks and appreciation of your interest in this matter, 
and the hope that the bill making provision for additional land 
at Sherman should finally become a law. 
With all kindest regards, 

Yours truly, 

Harry L. Boardman, 

Managing Secretary." 

I was quite active in the location of March Field at 
Riverside and in securing the money to pay for the same. 
No county in my district has appreciated what I was 
able to do more than my friends in Riverside. The 
friendship of the leading citizens of this city and county 
will always be a pleasure and inspiration to me. 

[126] 



"The Mission Inn. 

Riverside, California. 

January 23, 1918. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

House of Representatives, 

Washington, D. C. 
My good friend William Kettner, I want to thank you very 
sincerely for the effective work you Tiave done in our behalf. At 
the rate things are going, with your ability to accomplish things 
and your willingness to help your friends, there will no longer 
be any use for anybody to run in opposition to you; and I am 
willing to move that it be made unanimous as long as the Demo- 
cratic Party will run you for Congress or anything else. 
Sincerely yours, 

Frank A. Miller." 



"Riverside Chamber of Commerce 

Written at 

Riverside, California, 

The City Beautiful 

March 1st. 1918. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

House of Representatives, 
Washington, D. C. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

The Board of Directors of the Riverside Chamber of Commerce 
wish to express to you their keen appreciation of your untiring 
efforts to secure the United States Aviation School for Riverside. 
They know that if it had not been for your unselfish work and 
prompt response to their appeals Riverside would have been over- 
looked and the school would not have been located here. 

The Board of Directors assure you that your kindness will not 
be forgotten but that you will always have their friendship and 
support. 

Very truly yours, 

Geo. T. Bigelow, 
Managing Secretary. 



"Telegram 

Riverside, California, 

March 4, 1919. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

Washington, D. C. 

You certainly made a bunch of your friends and admirers 
very happy today by your telegram of March Field made per- 
manent. You had a mortgage on Riverside before but now you 
own it. 

Very gratefully yours, 

F. A. Miller." 

[127] 



"The Mission Inn, 

Riverside, California. 

May 13th, 1920. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

San Diego, California. 
Dear friend : 

Thank you for your telegram of May 12th relative to the 
transfer of papers in the March Field deal. We have everything 
in readiness for the Government representative. 

Again, blessings on you friend, for the great service you 
have rendered us. 

Yours sincerely, 

FR.A.NK A. Miller." 

Editorial from "Riverside Enterprise", Mr. J. B. 
(;abbert, Editor, November 25, 1918: 

"Congressman Kettner Sound. 

Congressman Kettner received the endorsement of the Republi- 
cans and Democrats alike in the recent election. He will represent 
a Republican district. As he stated j-esterday in his talk to the peo- 
ple of the chamber of commerce, he will be placed in a hard position 
in the present congress. He believes in a tariff on citrus fruits com- 
mensurate with the difference in labor and shipping costs at home 
and abroad. There are members of his party who do not believe in 
any tariff. He believes that the laboring man cannot hope to main- 
tain indefinitely the terrifically high wages that men in some branches 
of industry are now receiving. On the other hand, he can also recog- 
nize that industry cannot expect to force American labor wages down 
to a point where American manufactured goods can compete in price 
with the goods manufactured by the cheap labor of Europe. He be- 
lieves in representing the great middle classes and the masses who 
pay the bills, and will support measures that will attempt to bring 
about a reconciliation of the two great forces of labor and capital. 
Kettner has a big job ahead, but he has the confidence of Democrats 
and Republicans alike. People in his district have found that he is 
an honorable gentleman, sound in judgment, honest in his convictions, 
and that he generally does the things for his district that are for the 
good of the people as a whole. We need more men like Bill Kettner 
in congress and fewer of the kind who consider party name a shib- 
boleth to conjure with." 

Editorial two years later from "Riverside Enter- 
prise", May 26, 1920: 

"Congressman Kettner's Record. 

Speaking to the writer last night, Congressman Kettner said: 
'Not under any consideration will I take the nomination again.' This 
statement came as a result of a direct question and he also told of 

[128] 



the efforts that have been made in his home city of San Diego to 
induce him to give up his decision to return to private business. 

Congressman Kettner two years ago received the endorsement of 
Republicans and Democrats alike, because he had been one of the 
most efficient congressmen who has ever represented this district in 
congress. He has been as nearly non-partisan as a party man can 
possibly be. He has been consistently and always for what he be- 
lieved to be the best interests of his district. He has grown to see 
that party lines mean little to the great mass of the people. What they 
want is results and that is what he has been getting for them. He 
is a sound business man and he has slaved for his constituents. The 
man who succeeds him, without reference to his political party, will 
have a big job to travel the pace set by William Kettner. Would 
that there were more like him in congress. He could stay there a 
long time if he desired to do so. Not many of any party could de- 
feat him for it, but he is responding to the call to get back into 
private life and his own personal business affairs. Good luck to you, 
'Bill', wherever that work may take you." 

While the life of a Congressman is very strenuous, if 
he is wrapped up in his district, there are a great many 
pleasant and never to be forgotten events which occur 
during his tenure in office. One of the most pleasing in 
my entire experience, happened at Riverside. I was in- 
vited by several of their leading citizens ostensibly to 
confer on some political matter, and was tendered a 
banquet at the Mission Inn at Riverside. T remember 
well that I was much interested in noting the predomi- 
nance of Republicans, and the feeling of friendship 
which permeated the air. I wish I could put in words 
my surprise when my good friend, the late Judge Hugh 
H. Craig, one of the very few Democrats present, arose 
and in a very touching address, so much so, indeed, that 
I was really unable to answer, presented me with a very 
handsome gold watch on behalf of those present. It 
bears this inscription: 

"Presented to 

William Kettner 

by his 

Democrat and Republican Friends. 

Riverside, Calif., 

1918." 

I wish to assure those present on that occasion that I 
have nothing in my possession that I prize more, and I 
hope to wear it for many years to come. 

[129] 



MONO AND INYO COUNTIES 



A great many friends who will read these pages will 
be surprised to know that Mono and Inyo Counties are 
in the Eleventh Congressional District. I had the pleas- 
ure of restoring to settlement the Mt. Whitney military 
reservation, and there are now some happy settlers liv- 
ing in that wonderful section that had been withheld 
from settlement by the government for a number of 
years. While these are comparatively small counties, 
with a scattered population, yet they hold much of in- 
terest and their needs are just as deserving of attention 
as the counties not so isolated. Mono, with its wonder- 
ful mountain scenery, is full of the romance of the early 
mining days, at the same time adding to present day 
business romance by supplying much of the electric 
power used in Northern California. 

Inyo County has Mt. Whitney, the highest point in 
the United States outside of Alaska, and Death Valley, 
the lowest and hottest place. From its Owens Lake, Los 
Angeles has developed its wonderful new water supply 
and the power developed there extends over much of 
Southern California and into Mexico. 



[130] 



ORANGE COUNTY 



There was a time in Southern California when most 
of our freight was received by sea through Orange Coun- 
ty, at a port then known as Anaheim Landing. Strange 
as it may seem to the reader, the government records will 
show that at one time three to five ships a week landed at 
this port and goods were shipped back into the interior 
for miles. The people of Orange County, especially of 
Newport, have made strenuous efforts to restore this 
port and are making headway from year to year. 

I had the pleasure of escorting the Rivers and Har- 
bors Committee to Newport on two occasions and 
brought the matter to the attention of the members 
so favorably that two different surveys for the harbor 
were made, but as the local government engineer sta- 
tioned at Los Angeles on several instances decided 
against the work, or the improvement of this harbor 
at that time, and as the Committee on Rivers and Har- 
bors can not approve of any project unless endorsed 
by the government engineers, I was unable to secure 
any appropriations. This did not lessen the determina- 
tion of the good people of Newport. They have con- 
tinued to improve their harbor and the County has re- 
cently voted $500,000 in bonds for further work. I have 
no doubt that, when the next survey is granted by the 
Congress, the district engineers will make a favorable 
report and Congress can then be induced to assist in de- 
veloping the harbor. 

[From Anaheim Plaindealer, April 22, 1916.] 
"For three years before railway termnial facilities were aban- 
doned at Newport harbor there was an average of 500 steam craft 
loading and unloading cargoes at that part. A concerted effort 
is now under way to get back sea-going business by co-operative 
outlay on the part of Orange county and the Federal government. 
It is mainly a matter of dredging. Representative Kettner is 

[131] 



pushing the adoption of a resolution directing the Secretary of 
War to establish pierhead and bulkhead lines at Newport bay 
in accordance with plans adopted by U. S. engineers May 25, 
1913, with a view to further improvement. Orange county has 
such a wealth of proven agricultural and mining resources that 
opportunity of access to its water front and increased facility 
of cheap transportation are extremely desirable." 



"First National Bank 
of Newport Beach 

Newport Beach, Calif., 

February 24. 1921. 
Honorable William Kettner, 

Washington, D. C. 
Dear Billy: 

Your kind letter of February 19 received, and I want to ex- 
press my appreciation of your turning over to Congressman- 
elect Swing the Newport Harbor information that you have on 

hand. t,- , 

Seven or eight months ago Ben Tarver and Bob Bigsby and 
some other prominent Democrats of Santa Ana spoke to me of 
an injustice I was doing you as indicated by an editorial in the 
Santa Ana Register. I explained to them and intended to go to 
San Diego and see you in regard to the matter that the Register 
article was made out of whole cloth with the possible exception 
of an opening given by my statement that you were the strongest 
man in the House of Representatives as indicated by the appro- 
priations you got for San Diego, and that my belief was that 
while you were dumping the few millions into San Diego that 
you had the influence to have overridden House rule, and diverted 
a few thousand to Newport Harbor. I still think so, and I do 
not say it in a spirit of criticism, Billy. However, I am willing 
to admit that I may have overestimated your standing in Con- 
gress and your stand in with the administration and with the 
men who controlled things in Washington, and I want to assure 
you freely, now that you are out of the political game, and it 
cannot possibly sound like my trying to soft soap you in the 
interests of Newport Harbor, that personally I have the very 
highest regard for you and that I do not want anything to inter- 
fere with the friendly feeling that I have for you and which I 
hope you have for me, and I want to state further that never 
since I have become acquainted with you, have I said an unkind 
thing publicly or in private about you personally or politically. 
Please give my best regards to Mrs. Kettner. 
Yours very truly, 

Lew H. Wallace." 



[132] 



SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 



An amusing incident comes to my mind, which hap- 
pened in my first campaign. The , construction of a 
bridge across the Colorado River at Yuma was in its 
early stages and my opponent stated that it was certain 
I would favor the southern highway. The people of 
San Bernardino County naturally were more or less ex- 
cited because they were contemplating a highway 
through Needles. But I assured them that I would play 
fair, and no one will deny my activity in securing per- 
mission for the construction of this interstate bridge and 
later an appropriation from the Congress in the Indian 
Bill to pay one-third of the cost of the bridge at Needles. 
A copy of a letter from Senator Ashurst, which is self- 
explanatory appears on a subsequent page. 

The following item appeared in the "San Bernardino 
Sun": 

"A resolution of appreciation, formally thanking Congress- 
man William Kettner for his successful efforts in securing a 
$25,000 federal appropriation for the Needles river bridge was 
adopted by the Board of Supervisors at the session yesterday. 
The government has provided one-third of the cost and Arizona 
the other third." 

The supervisors then adopted a resolution to the 
effect that if the state of California did not appropriate 
its share of the big development work at the next legis- 
lature, amounting to $25,000, the county of San Bernar- 
dino would raise the money, should the good roads bonds 
carry, 

"Telegram 
Hon. Wm. Kettner, Needles, Cal., June 1 — 14. 

Washington, D. C. 

Needles Chamber of Commerce extends thanks yourself and 
colleagues for successful result in bridge matter. 

E. N. Baker, Secretary." 

[ 133 ] 



"United States Senate 
Committee on Indian Affairs, Washington, 

Sept. 8, 1914. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

House of Representatives, 
Washington, D. C. 

Dear William : 

I want to thank you for the timely and effective assistance 
you rendered to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in the 
matter of the appropriation to aid in the construction of a bridge 
across the Colorado River at or near Needles, California. 

I am sure your District has every reason to be proud of you, 
as considering the fact you are serving your first term, you 
measured up well as a Representative of dignity, character, in- 
dustry, and ability. 

With kind personal regards, and hoping for your success in 
the coming campaign, I am, 

Sincerely yours, 

Henry F. Ashurst, 

Chairman." 

The ''Evening Index", San Bernardino, California, 
Tuesday, May 26, 1914: 

"Would make ears tingle. 'Bruder' Bill Kettner is warmly 
praised by his colleagues. Correspondent of progressive paper 
tells of a hustling congressman. By Ernest G. Walker, Wash- 
ington correspondent of the Sacramento Bee. 

Washington, May 26.— Representative William Kettner's ears 
must have tingled the other day at things his colleagues in the 
House, both Democrats and Republicans were saying about him. 

The new member from San Diego has made a reputation at 
Washington for giving strict attention to congressional duties. 
He is one of the working Democrats of the rivers and harbors 
committee of the House and won commendation for the manner 
in which he toiled over the mass of documents there and, when 
the annual appropriation bill was framed a few weeks ago, sought 
to take care of worthy projects for the help of commerce in all 
parts of the country. 

Praised by Underwood. 

Representative Underwood of Alabama, majority leader of 
the House, was one of those discussing the House membership. 

'There is Kettner of California, one of our new members on 
the Democratic side', said Underwood. 'He has made a very 
diligent, aggressive, active, and earnest representative. That man 
has the respect and confidence here of his fellow members. He 
has been, and will be, of great service to the people of the Pacific 
coast as a member of the Rivers and Harbors Committee.' 
Curry Seconds Underwood. 

'Yes,' said Representative Curry of the Sacramento district, 
'Kettner certainly has been a very valuable member of that com- 

[134] 



mittee. He has been of great assistance to me in obtaining ap- 
propriations for projects in my district. Kettner and Humphrey 
of wTshington State were instrumental in getting the Sacramento 
river appropriations through.' . t^^oc 

'I am a Democrat', said Representative Burgess of Texas, 
'but poUtics aside, I think the citizens of his district would be 
very Clish at this time if they permitted Kettner to be defeated. 
Kettner is doing all that can be done, is a fine fellow and repre- 
sents his people to the handle.' 

Murray Follows Suit. 
Representative Murray of Boston heard what was being 
said 'Well, I want to add a word right here,' he interposed. 
'William Kettner is the busiest, liveliest, and best Democrat from 
the west on the rivers and harbors committee. 

•I know something about the splendid work for California 
projects that he has recently done on the rivers and harbors 
committee. It is unusual for a new member to get on that com- 
mittee I tried when I was a new member and failed to get there. 
We like Kettner because he is a worker. He not only takes care 
of his own projects, but he helps us with our eastern projects. 
As the house membership and its committee now stand Kettner 
is the only California congressman who could expect an assign- 
ment to rivers and harbors.' i- * * 

The conversation ran on in that wise much in comphment to 
Kettner, who, it should be said, did not hear a word of what was 
being spoken of him until considerably afterward. 

Editorial from the "Redlands Daily Facts": 

June 30, 1917. 
"William Kettner Representative in Congress. 

The editor of The Facts wants to say to the people of this 
little section of the Eleventh Congressional district something 
about their member of the House of Representatives— their con- 
gressman, as he is commonly known. He is William Kettner ot 
San Diego, Democrat in politics, and therefore of the opposite 
faith to this paper. ... j 

This paper has consistently, though without success, opposed 
Mr Kettner in his aspirations to serve the district in Congress. 
We did this, not because we did not like the man, but because 
we thought his scheme of economics, as represented by the Dem- 
ocratic platform, wrong. It is altogether Hkely we will follow 
the same course in the future, if tariff and other questions of na- 
tional import loom large, as they have in the past; if the pros- 
perity of the people can be served best by some other party. 

But no man, be his politics what they may, can visit Wash- 
ington while Congress is in session, and observe the activities 
of the man who represents this district, and not see that he is a 
remarkably efficient man on the job. The gospel of success in 
the halls of Congress, just as elsewhere, is WORK— spelled with 
big capital letters, just Hke that. And "Bill Kettner , as his in- 
timates call him, and they all get to be intimates in a mighty 
short time, is some worker. To see the Eleventh California dis- 

[1351 



trict Congressman in action is to admire him for his industry, 
his ability to grasp a problem quickly, his loyalty to his district 
and to the country, and his efficiency in getting results. 

The day of the speechmaker in Congress has largely gone by. 
Not that it is not worth while to be able to express oneself forc- 
ibly on the questions of the day. But the work of the Congress- 
man is done before committees, before the various departments 
of government, and in consultations with leaders. One does not 
make ovations at such times. An ability to grasp the salient 
features of a matter at issue, and to get one's idea on that ques- 
tion into the mind or minds in authority, is the thing that counts. 
A Congressman must be able to size up men, judge clearly of 
how best to approach them, and then be indefatigable in his in- 
dustry and application of the methods he has determined upon 
to reach the desired end. Mr. Kettner is a past master in these 
things. . ,. . 

The round of detail work which a Congressman m a district 
like this one must look after is in itself appalling. Mr. Kettner 
told me that his mail averages 76 letters and 4 telegrams a day. 
That is just one little part of the work. Members of the House 
have their ofifices in what is known as the House Office Building, 
opposite the wing of the national Capital given over to that de- 
partment of Congress over which Champ Clark presides with his 
thunderous voice and his mighty gavel. It is in this office the 
Congressman does most of his work; at least it is his head- 
quarters. 

A member of the House is allowed $125 a month for a secre- 
tary. A good secretary is invaluable to a member. Mr. Kettner 
has a good one or he could never accomplish what he does. But 
that any man should be able to wade through the mass of cor- 
respondence he receives, keep in touch with the measures before 
Congress, and give special attention to his committee, and at the 
same time look after constituents 'from home', almost passes 
comprehension. 

'What makes you pay so much attention to people; why give 
so much time to looking after the pleasure and conveniences of 
men and women who are here generally on matters of compara- 
tively small importance?' I put this question to 'Bill'. 

'Because I said when I took on this job' — he calls it a job — 
'I decided that I must be the servant of the people who_ sent me 
here. I have never gotten away from that idea. This is my 
third term, and that idea grows stronger every day. I am will- 
ing to work week days and Sundays and nights in order to give 
all there is in me to my district. And one of the valuable parts 
of that service is in showing the many historic and educational 
things and places in Washington to those who come this way.' 

And just then the big gong sounded, the gong which sum- 
mons the Congressmen from their offices to the House chamber, 
to cast their vote on the question before the body, and on which 
question some member had been talking for an hour or so to a 
handful of men, and one woman, and to a splendid array of empty 
benches. 

In short, in a few days spent at the National Capital I learned 
to admire very heartily the man who receives a small salary for 
a great amount of work done in looking after the interests of this 

[136] 



^ 



aTl^OiH^zLA^X, 



L CK^~^^ l\Jl'lJ<y\p-i 



t. 




part of California,— that our portion of the coast may not be 
neglected, that the Colorado river may be tamed and the people 
of Imperial Valley may yet get the necessary water, that the 
orange and lemon growers may receive all the tarifT possible 
under the policy of this administration, that the beet sugar men 
shall be likewise kept sight of, and, last but not least, that San 
Diego and her harbor shall remain the center of many activities 
— and, believe me, while Billy Kettner is on the job they will so 
remain. 

As I said in the beginning this is a Republican paper, believ- 
ing in the principles of the Republican party. But, if there must 
be a Democrat representing us at Washington, there isn't a finer, 
broader, more capable one in the whole district than William 
Kettner, member of Congress by grace of San Diego and some 
thousands of Republicans in this district. 

Lyman M. King, Editor." 

After the watch was given me at Riverside, my good 
friend Mr. Charles M. Brown of Redlands, presented me 
with a beautiful chain which I prize very highly, as he 
has been a faithful supporter through all of my political 
experience, and I have grown to love him for his many 
good qualities. 

Another of the many pleasant surprises occurred a 
few days before the 25th of December, 1918. I received 
a small registered package from San Bernardino. On 
opening same I found a beautiful watch charm set in 
diamonds in the shape of an emblem. One side has the 
cross of the 33rd Masonic degree; the other side the 
Knight Templar cross; and on the inside the following 
engraving : 

"Hon. William Kettner 

from 

11th Cal. Dist. Friends 

December 25, 1918." 

My good friend Mr. Ernest Martin, postmaster at 
San Bernardino wrote me it was from the postmasters 
of my district. 

Concerning the World War Veterans' Hospital 
established at Arrowhead. 

[137] 



"United States Post Office 

San Bernardino, Calif. 

Feb. 24, 1920. 
Dear Bill: 

If there was any doubt that you hold a warm spot in the 
hearts of the San Berdooites (which there wasn't) it has been 
dispelled by the Arrowhead deal which was announced in the 
morning papers. 

I am sending you a page of the Sun containing the announce- 
ment and you may see that steps were taken to see that Bill 
Kettner got full credit for his good work on this proposition. 

Everyone here is tickled and is very grateful to the 'best 
Congressman this District ever produced.' That quoted line 
sounds like campaign times doesn't it, but, in this instance it is 
more the real McCoy than ever before. 

Have written to the Kink of Hemet for the central commit- 
teemen in that county which you requested and will send them 
with ours in a few days. 

Again thanking you for helping us out on the Arrowhead, 
and wishing you all kinds of continued success I am, 

Yours sincerely, 

Ernest Martin." 



[138] 



LABOR 

My votes in Congress on labor questions generally 
have met with the approval of Samuel Gompers, Presi- 
dent of the American Federation of Labor. Here are 
copies of letters from the different labor leaders sta- 
tioned at Washington: 

"Department of Labor 

Office of the Secretary 

Washington, 

October 8, 1914. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

Representative, 11th Congressional District, 

California. 

Dear Mr. Kettner: 

In the closing hours of the second session of the 63rd Con- 
gress I take the opportunity of congratulating you upon the ex- 
cellent record you have made in the House of Representatives. 
This has been an unusually important Congress. The adminis- 
tration and the majority in Congress have been dealing with 
great problems affecting the present and future welfare of our 
country. To be able to say, as you can say, that you have been 
in the thick of the fight in support of these policies is an honor 
you may well be proud of. When, in addition to that, you can 
turn to the record and show that your vote has invariably been 
cast in support of those measures which labor has been standing 
for in order to promote the common uplift it makes such a splendid 
showing that I have deemed it my duty to write you this letter 
of congratulation, and express the hope that your constituents 
will return you to the next Congress to continue the work so well 
begun in this. 

It is seldom the case that a Member of Congress is able to 
be present and voting on all important occasions. That you were 
always present and always voting right on questions affecting 
labor should commend itself to every one who toils with brain 
or brawn and everyone who is interested in human progress. 

Sincerely yours, 

W. B. Wilson, 
Secretary of Labor." 

[139] 



"H. E. Wills P. J. McNamara Wm. Clark Val Fitzpatrick 

A. G. C. E. Vice President Vice President Vice President 

B. of L. E. B. of L. F. & E. O. R. C. B. of R. T. 

Arthur Woolley, Clerk. 

National Legislative and Information Bureau 

Order of Railway Conductors 

Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen 

Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers 

Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen and Enginemen 

Ofifices: 101 B. Street S. E. 

Telephones Lincoln (3578-3650) 

Washington, D. C, July 21, 1916. 
To the Members of the B. of L. E., 

B. of L. F. and E., O. R. C. and B. of R. T., 
Eleventh Congressional District, 
State of California. 
Dear Sirs and Brothers: 

Having received a number of requests, we take pleasure in 
enclosing herewith a copy of the labor record of Honorable 
William Kettner, Representative in Congress from your district, 
as we have it compiled in this office from the Congressional 
Record. 

We think it only fair to say that we are personally well ac- 
quainted with Mr. Kettner and find him to be in all respects a 
high-class gentleman. He has extended to us as representatives 
of the men in engine and train service in his district, many cour- 
tesies and favors which we have appreciated and which have as- 
sisted us in our efforts to protect the interest of the memberships. 

Yours fraternall}^ 
W. _M. Clark H. E. Wills 

Vice President A. G. C. E. 

Nat'l Legislative Representative, Nat'l Legislative Representative, 

O. R. C. B. of L. E. 

Val. Fitzpatrick, P. J. McNamara, 

Vice President Vice President 

Nat'l Legislative Representative, Nat'l Legislative Representative, 

B. of R. T. B. of L. F. & E." 



"American Federation of Labor 

Washington, D. C, July 12, 1916. 
Mr. Harry W. George, 

408 Third Street, 
San Bernardino, Calif. 
Dear Sir and Brother: 

Your favor of July 2 received. 

In reply, I take pleasure in sending you herewith the legis- 
lative record of the Honorable William Kettner from the Eleventh 
Congressional District of California. The record shows the man- 
ner in which Representative Kettner has voted on measures affect- 

[140] 



ing the interests of Labor which have come before the House 
of Representatives during his membership therein. It is an ex- 
ceptionally good record, as you will note Mr. Kettner voted fav- 
orably on seventeen occasions and is recorded as not voting 
only two, and on these occasions it was unavoidable. 

Trusting that you will find the record of service to you and 
with best wishes for your every success, I am. 
Fraternally yours, 

Sam E. Gompers, 
President, American 
Enclosure Federation of Labor." 

Pensions and War Risks Insurance. 

It makes me very happy whenever I meet one of our 
old veterans of the Civil War, as I had the pleasure of 
assisting in the passage of over 300 bills in their favor. 
And by the way I believe they are the most appreciative 
of my work as I never meet one but he mentions the 
good that I have done for him and other old veterans. 

But the detail of pensions was easy in comparison 
with the war risk insurance where an overwhelming 
amount of detail work swept upon new, inexperienced 
clerks. Many, many pathetic letters came to my office, 
asking help in securing action on compensation cases and 
many trips were made to the bureau in an effort to 
straighten out tangles that were causing so much hard- 
ship. 



[141] 



MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS 



The newspapers quote Secretary Hughes in a recent 
speech as follows: 

"Facility of communication is agreeable and useful, but it 
leads not only to making more numerous and importunate the 
demands of every calling, but to a vast waste of time by rend- 
ering easy countless interruptions to serious work." 

While I did my utmost to give service on every re- 
quest that came to me, it did seem sometimes as if it were 
an expedient of "let George do it". However, many of 
these questions were as important to the individual as 
the greater things were to the nation and deserved 
proper consideration. After one has been in Washing- 
ton and has considered the "magnificent distances" and 
the street car lines, he will appreciate the effect of re- 
ceiving letters reading like this : "Whenever you are go- 
ing by, please drop into the pension office, — please drop 
into the land office, or the patent office, or the bureau of 
standards." These offices are anywhere from three- 
quarters of a mile to six miles away from the capital 
and "dropping in" is a matter very carefully scheduled. 

My early masonic activities have brought me a large 
acquaintanceship throughout the state, and these friends 
added much to my work and to my pleasure in service. 

While in the Congress I was an officer in the Grand 
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons and of the Grand Com- 
mandery of Knights Templar of California and Grand 
Marshal of the Blue Lodge. When I found that the 
Congress would be in session practically all of the time 
and that I could not perform the duties as an officer of 
these bodies I resigned, feeling it right to do so, to be 
consistent with myself, as during the number of years 

[142] 



when I was Inspector of the Blue Lodge I held strongly 
to the point that an officer who could not attend to his 
duties and be present at the meetings should resign and 
give the honor to those who were doing the work. The 
hardest thing in my life for me was to make the decision 
not to run again for Congress, and the second hardest 
was to resign from these Grand bodies, as I had been a 
regular attendant since 1898, and it was the ambition of 
my life to become a Past Grand High Priest and a Past 
Grand Commander, but I performed my duty as I 

saw it. r 1 -r. J 

The following resolutions are from the Proceed- 
ings of the Grand Chapter and of the Grand Com- 
mandery: 

Taken from "Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons 
of California, Proceedings of the Sixty-third Annual 
Convocation" held in Scottish Rite Temple, Sacramento, 
California, April A. 1, 2447 A. D. 1917, page 473. 

"R E Companion Spencer spoke of Companion Kettner's 
duties at Washington and stated that he had received his resigna- 
Son as Grand Captain of the Host. That he had endeavored to 
induce Companion Kettner not to offer his resignation, but that 
the Companion had insisted upon it. Therefore he now offered 
the resignation of Companion Kettner as Grand Captam ot the 
Host of this Grand Chapter and moved that the same be accepted, 
and that a proper resoUition be prepared to be forwarded to Coni- 
panion Kettner, expressing the confidence of Grand Chapter m 
him and wishing him success. 
Motion carried unanimously. 

Excellent Companion Jones offered the following preamble 
and resolutions and the same were unanimously adopted: 

Whereas, The Grand Captain of the Host, Excellent Com- 
panion William Kettner, insists that he be not advanced to a 
higher station in the Grand Chapter at this time because of his 
inability to meet with the Grand Chapter and perform the duties 
of his station therein because his duties as a Representative in 
Congress have demanded his presence, time and labor at Wash- 
ington; and . J ^. 

Whereas, The Grand Chapter regards it its duty under the 
circumstances to comply with the request of our Excellent Com- 
panion; . , ,r r 
Resolved, that the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of 
California hereby expresses its sincere regret that the duties so 
valuable to the Government and people of the United States, ot 

[143] 



our Grand Captain of the Host, William Kettner, have kept him 
from our Annual Convocation, while most heartily agreeing with 
him that his duties at this time to the nation are paramount to 
all others; and that in his true American spirit and great devo- 
tion to the interests of the nation this Grand Chapter is greatly 
honored. 

Resolved, That the Grand Secretary be and is instructed and 
directed to forward to Excellent Companion Kettner a copy of 
these resolutions. 

The resignation of Companion Kettner was accepted." 

Taken from ''Proceedings of the Grand Command- 
ery of Knights Templar of the State of CaHfornia at its 
Fifty-ninth Annual Conclave held in Scottish Rite Tem- 
ple Sacramento, commencing Thursday, the Nineteenth 
day of April, A. D. 1917, A. O. 799, page 347: 

"Commending Eminent Sir William Kettner. 
By Grand Captain General Bledsoe. 

Whereas, Eminent Sir William Kettner, long an honored 
member of this Grand Commandery, and lately occupying ap- 
pointive office therein, has been compelled because of extraor- 
dinary demands upon him as a member of Congress from this 
State at this time, to absent himself from California, and in con- 
sequence has felt impelled to resign from his office in the Grand 
Commandery; now, therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the Grand Commandery, though it regrets ex- 
ceedingly the necessity which impelled the severance of official 
relations by Eminent Sir William Kettner with this body, yet 
rejoices that one so able, so loyal and so indefatigable, is per- 
mitted in this hour of stress, to serve his Country in the high 
Councils of the Nation. May his duties soon permit his return 
to our Templar midst, is our earnest wish and hope; and be it 

Resolved, That the Grand Recorder send to Eminent Knight 
Kettner a telegram expressive of these sentiments, 
further 

Resolution unanimously adopted." 

A page from "Fifty Years of Masonry in Cali- 
fornia" : 

"W. Bro. William Kettner, 32°, P. M., E. C. 
He was born November 20, 1864, at Ann Arbor, Mich., and 
his parents were John F. and Fredericka R. (Lang) Kettner, the 
father being a noted musician. His residence is at Visalia, Tulare 
County, Cal.; occupation, business manager of the Visalia Delta, 
and insurance agent. He was educated in the public schools of 
Galena, 111., and in the Jefferson School at St. Paul, Minn., where 

[144] 



hP re<5ifled for several years He afterward was a resident of 
Roche ?er NY and Portland, Or., and came to California in 
fsss'^and^locatedin Julian, San Diego bounty where he engaged 
in mining until 1888, when he removed to Santa Ana ana con 
ducted a !io el in tha place for several years. He then located n 
Visllii where he has since continued to reside, connected mth 
Xe commercial newspaper staff, and f- t^e last f^ve years has 
been eneaged as business manager of the Visalia Delta and acting 
as suneSnlendent of the Germania Life Insurance Company. In 
miblic'^Se he now f^lls the position of City Councilman of V.saha. 
Bro. William Kettner was initiated ^"Entered Apprentice 
Mason March 17th, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft April 
IqS and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason May 21 
1QQ4 fn Visalia Lodee No 128 at Visalia. He was appointed and 
erved ariunLr De^acon in 1894. Senior Deacon in 1895; elected 
and served as Junior Warden in 1896, Senior Warden in 1897, 
and Worshipful Master in 1898, and is now performing the du- 
ties oMha office. On February. 1899, he was appointed and , is 
now serving as the Inspector of the Thirty-third Masonic Dis- 

'"'V^om^'^wTKettner was advanced to the honorary degree 
of Mark Master, October 4, 1895, inducted and presided in the 
ot Mark ^^/^^ster faster, November 6th, received and ac- 

S:"w eled TMLt'^Exce^S Master December 8th, and exalted 
to the sublime degree of Royal Arch Mason, January 10, 1896, 
n Visalia Ster,^No. 44, at Visalia. He was appointed Captain 
of the Host in 1896, and is still serving m that capacity. 

Sir William Kettner received the Illustrious g'-der of the Red 
Cross and was created a Knight Templar and Knight of Malta 
Time 6 "896 in Visalia Commandery, No. 26 at Visalia He was 
elected and 'served as Captain-General in 1897 Generah^^'-^ '" 
1898 Commander in 1899, and is now filling that office. 

Bro Kettner received the degree of the Ancient and Accepted 
Scottish Rite of Freemasonry by dispensation and co^mimica- 
tion from the 4th to the 32d, inclusive, April 25. 1898, in Oakland 
odge of Perfection (4°-14''), No. 2. in Gethsemane Chapter ^^ 
Rose Croix (15°-18°), No. 2, in De Molay Council of Kadosh 
n9°-30°) No 2, and 31st and 32 in Oakland Consistory, No. 2, 
at Oakland, Cal. He also became a charter member of and as- 
s sted in the organization of Visalia Lodge of Perfection No. 9 
at Visaha in thf year 1898, and was the first Venerable Master of 
?he same which is now the first Lodge of Perfection m the San 
Toaquh^ V^ley, He filled the first term, which expired in Febru- 
ary 1899 and performed his duties with marked ability. Upon 
?he' election of his successor, he entered more earnestly upon the 
floor work, and by his active zeal and devotion has aided greatly 
in promoting its interests and advancing its prosperity. 

Bro William Kettner enjoys the confidence and esteem of 
the entire Masonic fraternity in that community, and is an honor 
and credit to the delta in San Joaquin Valley. 



[145] 



These activities bring their reward in one's own 
consciousness, but I always carry in my pocket a tangi- 
ble evidence of kindly feeling that means much to me. 

In 1910, at a meeting of the Chamber of Commerce 
of San Diego, I spoke of inviting the Grand Command- 
ery of Knights Templar to San Diego. Colonel Collier 
immediately became very enthusiastic on the subject and 
the directors, after some little discussion finally decided 
it would be the proper thing to do. At the next meeting 
of the Grand Commandery, in company with Judge W. 
J. Mossholder, we had the pleasure of inviting the Grand 
Commandery to hold the next Grand Conclave in San 
Diego, which invitation was not accepted at that time. 
A year later we again brought the matter to the atten- 
tion of the Grand Commandery and our invitation was 
accepted. We also invited the Grand Chapter, Royal 
Arch Masons, and Grand Council, Royal and Select 
Masters, which bodies had never before met outside of 
San Francisco. Both invitations were accepted and in 
1912 the three Grand bodies met in the Grant Hotel in 
San Diego. I was appointed Chairman of the Commit- 
tee on funds for all the local bodies and the San Diego 
people as usual subscribed very liberally. We had over 
$5,000 for the entertainment of our visitors. 

I also had the pleasure of serving as Chairman of 
the three local bodies and later on was appointed Ad- 
jutant by General Robert Wankowski, to act during the 
session of the Grand Commandery. On the last night 
of the Conclave a grand ball was given at the Coronado 
Hotel. Several hundred were present. During the 
evening Mrs. D. E. F. Easton, wife of the Commander 
of California Commandery No. 1, stepped on the plat- 
form and rapped for order. After one of the most 
beautiful presentation speeches to which I have ever 
listened, she ended to my great surprise by calling me to 
the stand and presenting me with a gold card, beautifully 
inscribed, as follows: 

[146] 



SAC A MORE 






/^^ Of^^^HUn 


^^C(^ C/r^^ «^ 


-^ ^Y^ c^^'*-'^^ 




-^^.ytZ.\r^^ 


^cA[^^ /S'.e.i^U^ ♦^^ 


-^ *><-C-*^ ^>^ 


, 9 -^-V-^ 


o^-f^^c^:^Ce- J^ 


r 


H<;,^^ _^ 


-^♦v,._^j. 



Letter of Appreciation from Theodore Roosevelt. 



S4th Annual Conclave 

Grand Commandery 

of California Knights Templar 

San Diego— Cal.— April 18-20, 1912. 

Presented by California Commandery No. 1 K. T. 

To E. SIR WILLIAM KETTNER, P. C. 

in appreciation of his valuable services 

and the many knightly courtesies 

to California Commandery. 

Sir W. R. Jost E. Sir D. E. F. Easton 

Recorder Commander 

At that time, California Commandery had presented 
only one other card of this character. It was to Presi- 
dent McKinley upon his visit to California and that card 
is now in the Masonic Museum at Philadelphia. 

When the Rivers and Harbors Committee visited the 
west coast we were entertained at the Virginia Hotel in 
Long Beach. The "Long Beach Press" of August 6, 
1915, carried these two items on its front page: 

"Masonic Triumvirate all Here. 

Thirty-third degree Masons are not numerous. Money can't 
buy that honor, which can be won only by distinguished service 
and the added happy chance of coming next in line. 

Masons understand all that. Here's something of more par- 
ticular interest to Long Beach Masons and non-Masons. 

There are in Congress only three Masons of the thirty-third 
and last degree. They are: 

Congressman Allen P. Treadway, of Massachusetts. 

Congressman William Kettner, San Diego, Cal. 

Congressman William D. Stephens, Los Angeles, Cal. 

All three of those congressional Masons of the most exalted 
degree broke bread together yesterday noon. They broke it at 
the Virginia hotel in Long Beach. The occasion was the lunch 
in honor of the Rivers and Harbors committeemen of the House 
of Congress." 

The following inserts show something of the diver- 
sity of the interests that came through my office: 

,, , ,, ,, "Sagamore Hill, May 12th, 1917. 

My dear Mr. Kettner: 

Mr. Collier has told me of your energetic and patriotic action. 

Believe me, my dear sir, I deeply appreciate it. 

With hearty thanks, 

Very sincerely yours, 

(Signed) Theodore Roosevelt." 

[ 147 ] 



A feature story, by Fred C. Kelly, from the "Wash- 
ington Herald" referring to Mr. I. I. Irwin, of San 
Diego : 

"Brudder Bill Goes the Limit to Help Out a Friend; Smashed 
all Precedents When He Gets the President to Interrupt His 
Lunch to Sign a Bill. 

It is necessary to bear in mind throughout this story that 
Mr. Bill Kettner, member of congress from San Diego, Cal., 
used to be an insurance agent. 

If everybody will agree to hold fast to that fact during the 
unfolding of our little narrative we can proceed at once. Very 
well. 

It seems that there is some kind of international chamber of 
commerce meeting to take place in Paris this summer, with dele- 
gates from various large cities. The chamber of commerce out 
in Bill Kettner's town yearned to be represented, and they wrote 
to Kettner that he would simply have to fix it. Sadly Kettner 
found that the list of delegates had already been made up. But 
a day or two later he learned to his great joy that there was a 
bill pending which gave the President of the United States the 
right to name ten additional delegates-at-large. 

Kettner skirmished about and made arrangements for the 
chamber of commerce in his town to get one of these. Mean- 
while the San Diego folks, never doubting that Kettner would 
be able to talk the proper authorites into doing whatever he 
wanted, had sent along their delegate. 

This delegate struck Washington and Kettner's office m a 
great hurry, saying that he had to leave town that afternoon at 
2 o'clock and must have his credentials at once, as he was to sail 
from New York the next day. 

But there was a hitch. The bill entitling the President to 
appoint Bill Kettner's delegate had not yet been signed. Kettner 
rushed to the White House and found that the bill was there 
ready for signature. 

*Ah, well then', smiled Kettner, 'we'll have the president sign 
it at once and my friend will just have time to catch his train.' 

'But the president has just gone to lunch', explained Tornmy 
Brahany, one of the smart young Irishmen who look after things 
at the executive offices. 'He'll be gone for an hour or so.' 

'Gracious sakes alive,' exclaimed Kettner. 'It's too bad, but 
we'll simply have to disturb him at his victuals and let him sign 
the bill over in the dining-room. I'm sorry but that's what we'll 
have to do.' 

'Oh, we couldn't do that,' Brahany told Kettner. 'I doubt 
if there is a case on record where a President was disturbed at 
his meal to sign a bill.' 

'Can't help that,' insisted Kettner. 'If we wait for the Presi- 
dent to finish his dessert, and come back here my friend will miss 
his train. You wouldn't stand idly by and see a man miss a tram 
would you?' 

[148] 



Well, without going into further details, Kettner talked 
Brahany into sending the bill over to the President for signature. 
And Kettner's friend made his train with a minute and a half 
ot spare. 

Now you know why it was necessary to bear in mind that 
Kettner used to sell life insurance before he came to congress." 

During- my early service in the House I had the pleas- 
ure of assisting and escorting the Rivers and Harbors 
Committee through the Sacramento Valley. I am very 
happy now on looking back to know that I was of some 
real service in having the Congress adopt the great rec- 
lamation project for that district. By way of explana- 
tion I insert a letter from that resourceful and never 
tiring man, of which Sacramento Valley can be proud — 
Mr. V. S. McClatchy: 

"State Reclamation Board 

March 6, 1914. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

House of Representatives, 
Washington, D. C. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

Your letter of February 20th I find on my desk on returning 
from a trip to Honolulu. I thank you very much for the informa- 
tion therein contained, intended for the use of the Reclamation 
Board, and shall greatly appreciate being kept in touch, in a con- 
fidential way, with these matters in the future. 

From other letters which have reached Sacramento during 
my absence I am thoroughly advised of the great debt which 
California, and particularly those interested in the success of the 
flood control project, owe you for your able and effective work 
before the Rivers and Harbors Committee in securing not only 
an appropriation, but official recognition of the project. We can 
the better appreciate what has been done by yourself, assisted 
particularly, as I understand it, by Congressman Humphrey of 
Washington and Congressman Humphreys of Mississippi, when 
we remember the Mississippi project, which means so much to 
so manj^ states, failed of official approval, although it received an 
appropriation. 

I shall lose no opportunity of advising the people of this 
end of the State of what is due you in this matter, and I sin- 
cerely hope that the State may long have the services in Con- 
gress of a Representative as efficient as yourself, and I congratu- 
late San Diego and incidentally California. 

Very sincerely yours, 

(Signed) V. S. McClatchy." 

[149] 



"RiALTO Chamber of Commerce 

Rialto, California, April third, 1916. 
Congressman William Kettner, 

Washington, D. C. 
Honorable Sir: 

In behalf of the officers and members of the Rialto Chamber 
of Commerce, and the citizens of this community, I desire to ex- 
tend heartiest thanks to you for your splendid efforts in behalf 
of the Rialto Rural Route. 

Only those, who, like yourself, are perfectly familiar with 
conditions in the citrus belt can realize the real hardships which 
would have been entailed had the rural route been consolidated 
with the Colton route. 

Again thanking you for your earnest cooperation, I am. 
Yours very respectfully, 

F. S. Hasfelt, 
Sec'y Rialto C. of C." 



"Pacific Electric Railway Company 

Los Angeles, Cal., May 15, 1918. 
Hon. William Kettner, 
Member of Congress, 
Washington, D. C. 
Dear Mr. Kettner: 

I thank you very much for yours of the 2d enclosing copy of 
amended House Bill. 

Referring to your last remark: I note that most everything 
you have to do with ends well. 

Yours truly, 

Paul Shoup." 



"Los Angeles Trust & Savings Bank 
Los Angeles, California. 

July 12th, 1918. 
Hon. William Kettner, M. C, 

Washington, D. C. 
My dear Billy: 

Thank you so much for yours of the 6th regarding Mrs. 
Perier. 

You have always been so very kind in all of my requests, 
that I cannot help but write this letter of appreciation. 

I am delighted to know that you will go through so easy 
this coming election. The people of San Diego should sincerely 
do something in a liberal way to recognize your devotion to duty 
and your self-sacrifice. Whatever prosperity is in that City be- 
longs solely to you, my dear friend Congressman Kettner. 
Cordially yours, 

Motley H. Flint." 

[ 150 ] 



"City of San Diego 

Legislative Department 

San Diego, California. 

August 23, 1918. 
Honorable William Kettner, 
Member of Congress, 
Washington, D. C. 

My dear Billy: 

Here I am at San Diego, participating once more in the City 
affairs prior to my resigning as Councilman to enter the l^ederal 
Service. . , , , ^ ^ e 

Your telegram of the 16th inst., addressed to me at Sacra- 
mento, together with several other telegrams all relating to the 
appointment as Major, Adjutant General's Department event- 
ually reached me at my office in San Diego, and I shall today 
notify Capt. Tingley, Instructor of Military Science and Tactics, 
Polytechnic High School, that I will appear before him not later 

than the 28th inst. , • u 

I thank you indeed for your congratulations, and wish again 
to express myself of my heartfelt appreciation of your participa- 
tion in the happy outcome of this whole affair. If it had not been 
for you, Billy, I would probably still be longingly waiting for 
some result from my application for active service and I feel 
that I can never repay you for your personal interest in my be- 
half but you can rest assured that I shall ever hold myself in 
readiness to do what I can or may, favorable to you or your in- 
terest, whatever and wherever possible. 

Mrs Fay is here with me for the purpose of adjusting our 
personal' affairs, but will remain with her mother at Long Beach 
for the duration of the war and she joins me in expressions ot 
kind appreciation, best thoughts and wishes for Mrs. Kettner 
and yourself for evermore. 

Again thanking you, my dear Billy, I remain, as ever. 

Your friend. 

Fay." 



"Strand Theatre 
San Diego, California, Feb. 2, '19 
William Kettner, 

Washington, D. C. 

My dear Bro. Bill : 

I can never thank you enough for what you have done for 
me I am under obligations to you for life. Miss Bnssac made 
the flight today in the War Plane and it was a wonderful experi- 
ence for her, an episode in her life that money could not purchase 
and all due to your wonderful work at Washington. The permit 
arrived on Friday afternoon and we were notified of your success 
by the authorities at Rockwell Field. The Big Circus was to 
take place on Saturday and the little lady was prepared to make 
the flight, but on Saturday morning it commenced to rain and 
it was an awful disagreeable day, so much so that the big event 
was postponed until today (Sunday). This morning it threatened 

[151] 



rain again and it did rain nearly all day but the Circus went mer- 
rily on and at about three-thirty this afternoon Miss Brissac 
started on her wonderful trip. The gentleman who piloted her 
through the air took her over Camp Kearny and as far north as 
Del Mar, they returned at once and circled over Point Loma and 
made a beautiful landing in Rockwell Field. Miss Brissac was 
dreadfully seasick but stood the journey like an old veteran. Bill 
we all thank you, and this week I am going to of¥er Mrs. Kettner 
a box at the Strand Theatre where she can see Miss Brissac and 
possibly she will hear her tell her story of her flight from the 
stage. Accept my personal thanks for j^our kind service, and 
Mr. John Wray (the husband), Hayward and all interested also 
wish me to tell you how grateful they feel. You have done so 
many nice things for me Bill, really I can never thank you 
enough. I am going to send you clippings from the papers pro- 
vided they cover the journey of Miss Brissac amongst the clouds. 
I will write you later concerning young Hinchman who will re- 
ceive his discharge on the 5th. Good bye and thanks again for 
your kindness. I am as ever, 

Fraternally yours, 

J. M. Dodge. 
Miss Brissac was up in 
the air-plane about two hours." 



"The Secretary of the Interior. 
Washington, 

February 27, 1919. 
My dear Billy: 

I have just read the Record of yesterday and want you to know 
that I appreciate very much indeed your looking out for us on the 
Alaskan railroad matter. 

Cordially yours, 

Franklin K. Lane. 
Hon. Wm. Kettner, 

House of Representatives." 



"Guantanamo, Cuba, 7-25-19 
The Honorable William Kettner, 

Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: 

I feel deeply indebted to you for your kindness in securing my 
passport to Cuba, and while thanks is little for your efforts in my 
behalf, it is all I can do at present, but I assure you it is a kindness 
I shall never forget, and at any time I can be of service to you it 
will be a pleasure on my part to perform same. 
Accept my kindest wishes. 

Very truly, 

Lyman E. Gillet." 

[152] 



"San Diego Chamber of Commerce, 
San Diego, California. 

TT ..r T^ August 11, 1919. 

Hon. Wm. Kettner, 

Spreckels BIdg., 

San Diego, Calif. 
Dear Mr. Kettner: 

We know that the foundation for the success of the entire 
reception and entertainment of Secretary Daniels and the Pacific 
Fleet was laid by you months ago, and if we have carried out 
your original plans to a successful conclusion, we are more than 
satisfied. We know that your services were invaluable to us and 
that neither you nor Mrs. Kettner spared yourselves in any way, 
and for all of which we are truly grateful and tender you our 
sincere thanks. 

Very truly yours. 

Pacific Fleet Celebration Committee, 
Melville Klauber, 
W. S. Dorland, 
Carl H. Heilbron." 



"Calexico Chamber of Commerce, 

Calexico, Calif., December 15th, 1919. 
Hon. William Kettner, 
Member of Congress, 
House Ofifice Building, 
Washington, D. C. 
Dear Sir: 

On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce at Calexico, I wish 
to thank you very sincerely for the substantial aid which you 
gave the Chamber in the matter of securing for W. J. Peters, a 
Chinese merchant of Calexico and Mexicali, the right to pass back 
and forth between those communities on a border permit. Cal- 
exico has benefitted greatly from this privilege and we know 
that other cities in California will also benefit a great deal be- 
cause Mr. Peters is now in a position to purchase large quantities 
of merchandise for himself and other merchants and ranchers 
in Lower California. 

We want you to know that this is not merely a formal letter 
of thanks for your aid but is a sincere desire on our part to have 
you fully appreciate that we value very much your interest in 
our community in this matter. 

Very sincerely yours, 

Frank D. Hevener, 

President." 
[153] 



"Washington, D. C, 

January 27, 1920. 
Honorable William Kettner, M. C. 

Member of House Committee on Naval Affairs, 
House Office Building, 
Washington, D. C. 
Sir: 

As Representatives of the Chief Petty Officers and other 
enirsted men in the U. S. Navy, v^^e wish to express our gratitude 
and thanks to you for the passage in the House of Representa- 
tives, of Bill H. R. 11927 carrying an increase in pay for the men. 
The men have been informed of the passage of the Bill. Were 
you in our position and heard them express their appreciation, 
we think you would have been, in a measure, rewarded for your 
unselfish work. 

Again thanking you in behalf of the enlisted men, we remain. 

Very truly yours, 

R. W. White, 
Chief Yeoman, U. S. Navy. 
C. H. McDonald, 
Chief Gunner's Mate, U. S. Navy." 

My record in National Guard work for the state is 
best expressed by the letter of General Borree, copy 
hereto attached: 

"State of California 
The Adjutant's Office 
Hon. Wm. Kettner, M. C. Sacramento, April 23, 1920. 

Washington, D. C. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

I desire to express the appreciation of this office for the 
splendid support given by you in the matter of securing the 
amendment to Section 110, which was made necessary in order 
that the California National Guardsmen could receive pay between 
the date of the passage of the Bill, and the next meeting of the 
California Legislature. 

You may rest assured that the entire National Guard of Cali- 
fornia also deeply appreciates the service you have rendered them. 
I have been informed by Congressman Clarence F. Lea, that 
the proposed amendment to Section 110, was not adopted by the 
Army Reorganization Bill which passed the Senate a few days 
ago. As the whole matter is now thrown into Conference, 1 
sincerely trust that you will again give your hearty support to- 
wards securing an amendment to the Bill in Conference, so that 
the National Guard of this State may receive the same compen- 
sation as that received by other States. 

Again thanking you for your hearty co-operation, I remain, 
Cordially yours, 

J. J. BORREE, 
Brig. Gen. N. G. C. 
The Adjutant General." 

[154] 



"City of San Rafael 
California. 
Maj^or's Department April 28, 1920. 

Hon. Wm. Kettner, 
Member Congress, 

Washington, D. C. 
Dear Mr. Kettner: 

I am in receipt of your telegram and letter of the 22nd inst., 
conveying the good news for the little old lady. 

She is deeply grateful to you for your kind interest in her 
behalf; and, as for myself, I am not only appreciative but proud 
that there are men who can take time from their important duties 
to give such consideration in a purely humanitarian cause. 

I am sure that we will all rejoice in the prospect indicated 
in the last chapter of your letter which intimates that we shall 
soon see you in California. 

Be assured of a very warm and cordial greeting from 
Yours very sincerely, 

Geo. F. Rodden." 



"Treasury Department 
Washington 

June 11, 1920. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

House of Representatives, 
Washington, D. C. 
My dear Congressman : 

You are advised that the application to organize 'The First 
National Bank of Yucaipa,' Cal., has been approved by the Comp- 
troller and the Secretary of the Treasury. 
Yours very truly, 

W. J. Fowler, 
Deputy Comptroller." 



[155] 



MISCELLANEOUS APPRECIATIONS THAT 

ARE AS FLOWERS TO 

THE LIVING 

"National Monthly 
March 1916 

(By Frank B. Lord, Past President, National Press Club, 
Washington, D. C.) 

While the Democrats of California are searching for an avail- 
able candidate for the United States Senate this year they should 
not overlook the Hon. William Kettner, of San Diego. Besides 
being a very capable citizen, from whatever point of view you 
look upon him, and a very good Democrat, 'Bre'r Bill' is the 
greatest glad-hander that ever greeted a voter in any campaign. 
He has the art of handshaking and backslapping down to such 
a science that even if he has an enemy — but 'there ain't no such 
animal' so far as Kettner is concerned — he would have him 
shouting for him with the first greeting. All of which is by way 
of saying that William Kettner is the best beloved citizen of 
Southern California and one of the most popular in the State 
at large. Popularity and ability ought to count for a great deal 
with the Democrats in the forthcoming Senatorial campaign in 
California. 

Mark what 'Bill' Kettner did in the last Congressional elec- 
tion. It hasn't had a parallel in any campaign in any State in a 
decade. But first let us go back to the campaign of 1912. Pre- 
vious to that Kettner had formed a business partnership with a 
fellow Democrat and the first article of their agreement was that 
neither should ever enter politics so long as they were associated 
together. Bill's partner broke the pledge first. He wanted to 
make a trip to the East and as there were not many Democrats 
in the San Diego district who were anxious to pay their expenses 
to the Baltimore Convention, he accepted the post of delegate. 

When he reached Baltimore, he received a telegram from 
'Bill' saying that the Democrats in San Diego wanted him to run 
for Congress and that as it would doubtless advertise the firm 
he intended to accept. The long and short of it was that the 
opposition divided between Republicans and Progressives and 
'Bill' was elected to Congress. He made good from the first. 
Then came the campaign of 1914, and Congress remained in 
session until a few weeks before election. Kettner's friends ad- 
vised him to remain on the job and said they would look out 
for his political interests. He did so, but believed he was sacri- 
ficing himself to duty, for the registration showed some 20,000 
Democrats and about 50,000 Republican voters in his district. 
Some hopeless undertaking for a Democrat to run for Congress 
against such odds, it appeared. But this is what happened. With 
20,000 registered Democratic voters and 50,000 Republican voters 

[156] 



in his district, Kettner won by the enormous majority of 23,000, 
which may truly be said to be going some. He turned a Repub- 
Hcan majority of 30,000 into a Democratic majority of 23 OOU. 
carrying every county in his district, and his home city almost ten 
to one This is what the people think of 'Bre'r Bill' Kettner m 
Southern California. 

In view of the unwritten law that one Senator must come 
from the northern part of the state and the other from the 
southern counties, it would seem that Mr. Kettner, hailing from 
San Diego, would afford the Democrats a winning candidate in 
their fight to have California represented in the United States 
Senate by two good Democrats." 

High praise for my record is voiced in a letter which 
was received from Byron W. Newton, Assistant Sec- 
retary of the Treasury, in 1916, as follows: 

"My dear Kettner: 

Mighty glad to get your letter and the newspapers telling 
the cheerful story of the way you were supported at the primaries. 
It seems to me that this is a period in American politics when the 
voters must be controlled by common sense and patrotism and 
support with their votes honest men instead of the noisy pre- 
tenders. On this basis I cannot but feel that the people of your 
district will return you to Washington. 

Your record here as a congressman is certainly one that 
entitles you to the confidence of the people in your d|strict, as 
well as the respect and confidence of those of us here in Wash- 
ington most intimately familiar with your record and your work. 

I wish I could get out to California and do a little talking 
for you but of course that is impossible. I am planning to take 
a short vacation and devote the time to New York state, among 
my old friends and neighbors, where I hope to be able to do our 
cause a little good. 

With kind regards and sincere wishes for your success, I am, 
Sincerely yours, 

(Signed) Byron W. Newton." 

On front page of 'The San Diego Sun", Saturday, 
September 9, 1916: 

"William Kettner 
For Congress. 
William Kettner has ably represented this great and important 
district in the lower national house for four years past. He has 
voted right on every great national question, so far as we have 
been able to discover. His record on labor and legislation in 
the interests of the Common People is directly in line with the 
best traditions of the national administration, whose cause he 
particularly upholds. 

[157] 



He has been the very efficient and valuable friend of this 
district and its chief city and port, San Diego. Recognizing that 
the improvement of San Diego harbor and the fortification of 
the port of San Diego by the army and navy of the United States 
are matters of national and not state or local concerns, Congress- 
man Kettner's attitude toward appropriations for San Diego port 
and harbor has always been upon the high plane of the good of 
the nation as a whole. 

William Kettner was a valuable congressman four years ago. 
He was a much more valuable man two years later. Today it 
would be a political crime to permit him to be defeated by an un- 
tried stranger. 

It is practically certain, as certain as anything human can 
be, that President Wilson will be re-elected, and that the liberal 
and broad patriotic policy toward the San Diego harbor, already 
inaugurated by this administration, will be carried out if the ad- 
ministration is retained in power." 



"The White House, 
Washington. 

November 17, 1916. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

I thank you with all my heart for your message. It gives 
me especial pleasure as coming from one with whom I have been 
associated in the great work of the last four years. 
Sincerely yours, 

WooDROw Wilson. 

Imagine my joyful surprise when Mr. Frank A. 
Salmons brought to me the following resolution, in the 
City of Washington. I truly appreciated this resolution 
and want to assure my good Rotarians that I carry a 
very warm feeling in my heart for them at all times : 

"Hon. William Kettner, 
House of Representatives. 

"Whereas the Hon. Wm. Kettner a member of the San Diego 
Rotary Club is rendering exceptionally good services to his 
Country and to his City by his untiring work in Congress; ever 
ready and ever watchful to promote the interests of his constit- 
utents; honest and conscientious in his efforts to fufill his obli- 
gations to his Country, always mindful of the trust imposed on 
him, and 

Whereas his dearest and best friend Frand A. Salmons has 
been selected by this Club to represent it at the annual Session 
of International Association of Rotary Clubs to be held in At- 
lanta, Georgia, June 17-21, 1916, at which City he will be met by 
Rotarian Kettner. 

[158] 



Therefore be it Resolved, that the San Diego Rotary Club 
request Rotarian Frank A. Salmons to convey greetings and best 
wishes to our Brother "Bill" and to assure him of our hearty 
approval and appreciation of his manifold evidences of loyalty 
and zeal. We commend this good work; we admire his pluck and 
his energy and honor him for his devotion to his Country and 
his President. We hope rich blessings will flow to him and re- 
ward his every effort in the Cause of Justice, Righteousness and 
humanity. May God bless him and his good wife and return 
them safely to us is the wish of his brothers in Rotary. 
San Diego, California 

May 31, 1917. 

Resolution unanimously adopted at Annual Meeting of Rotary 
Club of San Diego, at San Diego Hotel May 31st, 1917. 

H. W. Sumption, John A. Gillons, 

Secretary. President." 



"San Diego, Cal., August 7th, 1917. 
Hon. Wm. Kettner, 

House of Representatives, 
Washington, D. C. 
My dear Mr. Kettner : 

I just returned home from my vacation and the first act that 
I wish to do is to thank you for your kindness in reference to 
my requests of you. 

I had hoped that I could be of some service to the Govern- 
ment, and if so, I am more than ready to do what I can. This 
you may bear in mind. 

You have heard so much fulsome praise of your work that 
I am almost ashamed to express what I feel. I want to say 
that it has been a personal pleasure to me to watch step by step 
your splendid work, not only for what you have been able to 
get for this section, but for the stand you have taken on public 
matters. Unfortunately, the former counts most, but the few 
people whose opinions you would prize highly dwell with greater 
pleasure on the latter. 

I trust and am sure that you will continue to be as conscien- 
tious, fearless and independent and at the same time as courteous 
as you have been in the past. I can offer you no higher tribute, 
and again with thanks. 

Sincerely yours, 

Julius Wangenheim." 

There is one thing that gave me very much plea.sure, 
and continues to please me as I grow older. San Diego 
a few years ago was short on funds, but this did not 
deter Chief Louis Almgren nor his capable men from 
designing and constructing a fire boat so necessary on 

[159] 



our harbor. With his firemen he built one of the finest 
and most useful fire boats I have ever seen, working 
during their off-time, salvaging much material that had 
been classed as city "junk", and making everything, in- 
cluding the hull of the boat, with the exception of the 
engines and such items as the heavy deluge nozzles. Its 
capacity is 3500 gallons a minute at 135 lbs. pressure, 
and has saved the city of San Diego and the Navy thou- 
sands of dollars on the water front. When this fire tug 
was completed the firemen saw fit to name it the "Bill 
Kettner", and I know of no nicer compliment that has 
ever been paid to me. In my feeble w^ay I have often 
tried to thank them and to show my appreciation in 
other ways. May it continue to do the good work in 
the future that it has in the past. 

"House of Representatives 
Washington, D. C. 

March 6, 1919. 
Hon. William Kettner, 
Washington. 

Dear Billy: 

I must not go. You know the reason which does not prevent, 
but only detains me. I will feel better to remain. Mrs. Butler is 
well but then I wish to be within hailing distance of her until the 
warm Spring fully restores her. I have no word to tell you the 
degree of my disappointment. I turn to my only comfort, found 
in having Mrs. Butler's companionship continued for my complete 
enjoyment. The fates have been good to me although they have 
wrecked my hopes for the pleasures v.hich further association with 
my fellow members of our committee promised me. You must not 
say that I am unmanly when I confess a fondness for them that I 
do not share with other men. Then I want to see the California 
people towards vvhom my liking constantly leads me, for who could 
forget the natural hospitality which they show a stranger, of which 
I am a living and voluntary witness. I can't write you any more. 
Billy, you good forgiving friend, to whom I now commit my one 
reason for my detention at home, with the command that you make 
it well known. I Just have Fred Hick's telegram, my affection for 
him, makes me waiver. No, I asked that Mrs. Butler might be al- 
lowed to remain with me and because my request was granted, my 
joy removes the bitterness which my disappointment would other- 
wise give me. Should I go away from her now the 'Great White 
Father' might doubt my sincerity. 

Your friend, 

Thomas S. Butler." 

[160] 



["San Diego Union" August 7, 1919.] 
"Congressman William Kettner. 
This active member of Congress representing the eleventh Cali- 
fornia district has done more than any other man to present San 
Diego's valid claims to congress, and as a result has been mstru- 
mental in bringing to San Diego many great army and navy activ- 
ities which by natural right she deserved. Congressman Kettner 
ran unopposed for his present term— a fact which clearly mdicates 
his popularity." 



"Melville Klauber, 

404-5 Southern Title Bldg., 

San Diego, California. November 26. 1919. 

Hon. William Kettner, M. C, 

House Office Bldg., 
Washington, D. C. 
My dear Mr. Kettner : 

It was a great pleasure to me to be able to wire you last 
night at the Alexandria, that all of the bonds had carried with a 

heavy majority. . , , tt u n j 

In my telegram I specifically mentioned the Harbor Bonds, 
knowing that this was the item which you were most anxious 
about. Congratulations upon the result. 

I am just in receipt of your letter of November 24th, written 
prior to your departure in which you are good enough to men- 
tion my cooperation with you while I was President of the 
Chamber of Commerce. 

Your relationship and mine in behalf of the community we 
both care so much for, were unusually happy. It was a pleasure 
to work with vou in relation to Federal matters, because we 
knew any effort we made here would have commensurate results 
w'ith you in charge at the other end. 

In the future as in the past, I will welcome every oppor- 
tunity to render any service in my power in connection with 
your w'ork. 

Very sincerely yours, 

Melville Klauber." 



"The First Assistant Postmaster General 

Washington. 

January 1, 1920. 

Hon. William Kettner, 

Washington, D. C. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

I deeply appreciate both your Christmas card and the wishes 
for the New Year expressed in your letter, and may I not in 
return express my fondest hopes for a happy, prosperous and 
successful future for both you and Mrs. Kettner. However, I 

[161] 



deeply regret that early in the year 1921 your duties as a Member 
of Congress will end. You have served your District as no other 
person could have served it. I have watched your career in 
Congress with a great deal of interest and think you have been 
more successful than any other Member in securing needed legis- 
lation for your district. This has not only been due to the fact 
that the cause was worthy but because of the high regard and 
esteem that j'ou are held bj' all those with whom you come in 
contact. 

With my kindest wishes, I am, 

Very sincerely, 

J. C. KOONS." 



"The Secretary of the Navy. 

Washington, March 2, 1921. 
My dear Sir and Friend : 

Before leaving Washington after eight years service as Sec- 
retary of the Navy, I feel that I can not go home without send- 
ing you a line to express my lasting appreciation for the privilege 
of having been able to serve with you and other patriotic mem- 
bers of the Naval Affairs Committee in the strengthening of the 
Navy. I shall take home with me many pleasant memories but 
none will be with me longer or give me quite the same cheer and 
satisfaction as the uniform consideration, wise counsel and co- 
operation in my intercourse with the members of the House 
Naval Affairs Committee. 

The expression of their friendship and approval, evidenced 
by the dinner tendered to me, was most grateful. Though in 
the future deliberations of your Committee I will not officially 
come before you, you will know that, having been shipmates 
through the stormy days of war and readjustment after war, as 
well as in the hard tasks of preparation for war, I will always 
have the deepest interest in the work of your committee and in 
everything that pertains to the welfare of the Nav}-. 

With warm assurances of my personal regards, and good 
wishes to you always I am. 

Sincerely your friend, 

(Signed) Josephus Daniels. 
Hon. William Kettner, M. C. 
Committee on Naval Affairs, 
House of Representatives." 



"United States Senate, 
Committee on Railroads. 

March 18. 1921. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

San Diego, California. 
My dear Billy : 

I am mighty glad to know that your home folks have given 
you such evidence of their appreciation, that they did appreciate 

[162] 



you I of course knew, but it too often happens that people wait 
to show appreciation until the subject of it is gone to the Great 

Beyond. , . i u j ^ 

San Diego is going to miss you, for it never has had and 
never will have a more efficient representative, one who has done 
more or can in the future do more for the interests of San Diego. 
I do not want to let our acquaintance fade away, and shall hope 
to meet you from time to time when I visit the Coast. 

With best wishes for your future, and regretting that you 
have left us, I remain, 

Very sincerely yours, 

I. L. Lenroot." 

I firmly believe that most people have a longing to 
do something for their fellowman, in order that it may 
be said when they have passed on that their lives have 
not been spent in vain. I think this feeling is accentuated 
when there are no children to take one's place. 

I have on dififerent occasions mentioned members of 
the Common Council, and how they have always given 
me their hearty support, but I was truly surprised and 
pleased when I received the following communication : 

"Ordinance No. 8421 
An Ordinance Changing the Name of Arctic Street to Kettner 

Boulevard. 

Be it Ordained by the Common Council of The City of San 
Diego as follows: 

Section 1. That the name of Arctic Street, for its entire 
length in the City of San Diego, California, be and the same is 
hereby changed to KETTNER BOULEVARD. 

Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force 
on the thirty-first day from and after its passage and approval. 

I hereby Certify that the above and foregoing is a full, true, 
and correct copy of Ordinance No. 8421, of the Ordinances of 
the City of San Diego, California, as adopted by the Common 
Council of said city on July 11th, 1921, and approved by the 
Mayor of said City on July 16th, 1921. 

(Seal) X T Ti -KT 

John L. Bacon, Mayor. 

ViRGiLio Bruschi, 

Jno. a. Held, 

Fred A. Heilbron, 

Don M. Stewart, 

Harry K. Weitzel, 

Allen H. Wright, Councilmen." 

City Clerk of the City of 

San Diego, California. 

[163] 



Autographed Letter From Admiral Pakenham Who Visited San 
Diego On His Majesty's Ship Raleigh. 

"H. M. S. 'Raleigh; 

At Sea, 8 Dec. '21. 
My dear Kettner: 

Besides the more formal thanks under another cover, allow me to 
say how conscious I am of the debt the Raleigh collectively owes to 
you personally. Thank you most warmly. It has been more than 
delightful for all hands. 

Allow me to thank you also for the very interesting suggestions 
contained in 'War Profits', which puts a disagreeable situation into 
very plain words. 

Pray give Mrs. Kettner my kindest remembrance. Good-bye, and 
au revoir. 

Very sincerely, 

W. G. Pakenham." 



"War Department 

Office of the Chief of Engineers 

Washington, 

July 22, 1922. 
Mr. William Kettner, 

San Diego, Calif. 
My dear Mr. Kettner: 

I am back again at the office and operating my share of the 
treadmill once more. After such a pleasant time in your hospit- 
able city and enjoying your delightful climate, to come back to 
work in Washington during the summer is like small boys going 
to school after vacation. Mrs. Beach is about as enthusiastic 
over San Diego as I have been for several years past, and has 
expressed her regrets many times that it is so far away from 
Washington. We certainly enjoyed our visit in your city in 
every possible way and are still enjoying it in recollection. 

While your city is most attractive and your climate the best 
all-around article in the United States, they cannot excel San 
Diego's hospitality, especially when dispensed by yourself with 
your charming wife as assistant. You gave Mrs. Beach and my- 
self such a pleasant and delightful time that we will remember 
it as long as our memory holds and the center of the picture 
will be Mr. and Mrs. Kettner. 

With all kindest regards and best wishes for you both from 
Mrs. Beach and myself, and wishing to be remembered to the 
others who assisted in giving us such a pleasant time, I remain. 

Cordially yours, 

Lansing H. Beach, 

Major General, Chief of Engineers." 

[164] 



"House of Representatives 

Committee on Appropriations, 

Sixty-seventh Congress 

Washington, D. C. 

December 20. 1922. 
Hon. William Kettner, 
334-5 Spreckels Building, 

San Diego, Calif. 
Dear Bill : 

I want you to know that we miss you here, and often talk 
about you. The truth is we cannot help talking about you in 
considering the Naval bill, because you have written your trade 
mark all over that bill. By this time you have learned that we 
appropriated more money than the Budget Bureau asked in or- 
der that we might complete the Training Station at San Diego. 

I am still hoping that your people will finally induce you to 
come back into the game and send you back to the House for 
their good and for our pleasure. 

Mrs. Byrnes joins me in wishing you and Mrs. Kettner a 
Merry Christmas and lots of good luck during the year to come. 
Sincerely yours, 

James F. Byrnes." 



"310 California St. 

San Francisco, Calif. 

January 1, 1923. 

From: Rear Admiral Christian J. Peoples (SC) U. S. N. 

To: Mr. William Kettner. 

Subject: What is a friend. 

It is a person with whom you dare to be yourself. Your 
soul can go naked with him. He seems to ask of you to put on 
nothing, only to be what you are. He does not want you to be 
better or worse. When you are with him you feel as a prisoner 
feels who has been declared innocent. You do not have to be on 
your guard. You can say what you think, so long as it is gen- 
uinely you. He understands those contradictions in your nature 
that lead others to misjudge you. With him you breathe free. 
You can take ofif your coat and loosen your collar. You can 
avow your little vanities and envies and hates and vicious sparks, 
your meanness and absurdities, and in opening them up to him 
they are lost, dissolved on the white ocean of his loyalty. He un- 
derstands. You do not have to be careful. You can abuse him, 
neglect him, tolerate him. Best of all you can keep still with 
him. It makes no matter. He likes you. He is like fire that 
purges all you do. He is water that cleanses all that you say. 
He is like wine that warms you to the bone. He understands. 
He understands. You can weep with him, pray with him, laugh 
with him. Thru and underneath it all he sees, knows and loves 
you. A FRIEND, I repeat, is one with whom you dare to be 
yourself — and verily that is you, Bill. 

C. J. Peoples." 

[165] 



Extract from letter written by Hon. W. B. Oliver, 
member of sub-committee of the Appropriations Com- 
mittee of the House, January 18, 1923: 

"The fact is you had laid the ground work for all appro- 
priations carried in the present Bill, and we were simply provid- 
ing necessary funds for carrying out commitments made at your 
instance. It so happened that I was not present when the Sub- 
committee reached the item relating to San Diego, but when the 
Sub-committee held its conference later, to fix the appropriations, 
there was really no disagreement between us. Some one, I think, 
remarked in a jocular vein that 'Billie Kettner had established the 
Navy at San Diego.' " 



"War Department 

Office of the Secretary 

Aboard U. S. A. T. 'U. S. Grant'. 

At Sea, May 2Z, 1923. 
My dear Kettner: 

A visit to San Diego without you one of the prominent 
figures in the picture would not seem natural and would not be 
satisfactory. I was glad years ago to see the friendship for you 
which your neighbors hold and, while such friendship sometimes 
means political connection, it certainly does not in your case and 
there is no less evidence of it now than there was when you 
represented your district in Congress. Your attention added 
greatly to the pleasure of our visit to San Diego. 

Will you please present to Mrs. Kettner my kind regards 
and believe me, 

Sincerely yours, 

John W. Weeks, 
Secretary of War. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

San Diego, California." 



[1661 



UPON ANNOUNCING MY DETERMINATION 

NOT TO RUN AGAIN FOR 

CONGRESS 

"Eugene Daney, 

Attorney at Law, r> -rx- r- i-r • 

San Diego, Cal. San Diego, California, 

January 7th, 1920. 
Hon William Kettner. 
Washington, D. C. 
My dear 'Brudder' Bill: 

I received your very thoughtful Christmas message, and also 
your letter of the 31st ult. enclosing speech of Mr. Garrett of 
Tennessee, which I read with a great deal of pleasure. Without 
knowing the gentleman, from a reading of his speech, I am quite 
ready to join in your high estimate of him. 

We all have rejoiced at the good things which you were so 
instrumental in creating with reference to the large appropriations 
which the Government intends to make towards improvements 
at San Diego, and also with reference to the appointment of Ad- 
miral Welles to command this Naval District. I do not know how 
the people of San Diego can ever cease to be grateful to you for 
your splendid efforts which have been productive of so much 
good to our community. When you went to Congress the first 
time San Diego was pretty dead, and there was prevalent here- 
abouts quite a gloomy atmosphere. Now at the beginning ot 
the year 1920 we can all see San Diego coming into its own; 
great prosperity ahead and its future assured. If there is one 
man who deserves more credit than another for all this it is 
none other than our beloved Congressman— William Kettner. In 
saying this I am not merely expressing my own individual opinion 
but I am reflecting the general opinion of all your constituents. 
On every hand I hear almost daily the remark made 'We must at 
all hazards keep Bill Kettner in Congress.' I tell everyone that 
I fear this is impossible, as you have definitely, publicly and 
privately stated that under no circumstances would you accept 
a re-election. That you could be re-elected hands down goes 
without saying. For while we may diflfer in religion, in politics, 
on the League of Nations, on the Freedom of Ireland, and on 
thousands of other equally important questions, there is one point 
upon which we do not differ, and upon which we stand as a 
solid phalanx with a solidarity that defies hell and high water, 
and that is on the subject of Bill Kettner. You deserve this con- 
fidence, esteem and commendation of your fellow citizens, for 
with one voice we say unto you in the language of the Lord in 
the parable of the Talents (Matthew, chap. 25, v. 21) 'Well done 
thou good and faithful servant'; and when you shall have finished 
your work in Congress we shall finish the quotation by saying 

[167] 



further unto you in the language of the Lord in the same parable: 
'Thou has been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler 
over man}^ things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.' 'Enter 
thou into the joy of thy Lord' is synonymous with saying 'Come 
and enjoy life in San Diego.' So far as we are concerned your 
Congressional record will stand equalled by none, and the poor 
devil who follows you will, in language more truthful than ele- 
gant, have one hell of a time. You have set the standard and 
the pace — the former will probably never be reached again, and 
the latter so far exceeds the speed limit that it would appall a 
Marathon runner. I wish you not only all the good things that 
your heart can desire for the coming year but for all the years 
to follow. May your shadow never grow less. If there is any- 
thing in the world that is good and that I have omitted to wish 
you the fault is with my imagination and not with my heart — to 
all of which Alma concurs. 

Sincerely your friend, 

Eugene Daney." 



"Heller's Inc. 

Wholesale and Retail 

Money-saving cash stores, 

San Diego, California. 
Hon. Wm. Kettner, March 23rd, 1920. 

Com. on Naval Affairs, 
Washington, D. C. 
My dear Friend Kettner: 

Upon reading your letter of March 15th, and the report of 
the Navy yard commission, I realized more than ever your per- 
sonal standing with the members of the different committees in 
Washington. How do you do it? It is almost unbelievable that 
one person could accomplish all these things in the face of such 
a strong effort being made by our Los Angeles friends against 
us. If your health will permit it I hope that we can persuade 
you to continue this good work for years to come and would 
like to know what we can do to assist you in your personal 
business and relieve you of much of the detail work in Wash- 
ington. 

Our citizens can afford to furnish you an able man in Wash- 
ington to relieve you of the minor things, then you could use 
your secretary on the larger matters which would take the strain 
from you, and you could look after the big things. This would 
give you a chance to preserve your health and have a little time 
for your own personal affairs. 

You have set a pace in your work for this District that no 
man in this District, except yourself, can keep up with. 

Los Angeles people assist their congressman and stay within 
the law and I believe that our people will do the same if they are 
given a chance. 

Pardon me for taking your valuable time, but we need you. 
Sincerely yours, 

Math IAS F. Heller." 

[168] 



"Visalia Daily Times" May 22, 1920: 

"High Compliment to Kettner. 

Comparatively few men enjoy the experience of serving in a 
political capacity their home cities or districts for a considerable 
length of time and still retain the support and the favor and the 
good wishes of a large majority of their own bailiwicks even to 
such an extent that they find it difficult to retire from high office 
and one that many other men would do much to secure. But 
such is the case of a former Visalian, Congressinan William Kett- 
ner, who has served the Eleventh California district in Congress 
four terms. In regard to Mr. Kettner, the San Diego Union, a 
staunch Republican newspaper (and Mr. Kettner is a Democrat) 
leads its editorial page with the following most commendatory 
words: 

'It is with more than regret that the citizens of San Diego 
and the Eleventh Congressional district hear the announcernent 
that William Kettner will decline a nomination for re-election. 
It would be unfair, however, to urge the office upon him — unfair, 
and in a considerable degree selfish; for the service that would 
be required of Mr. Kettner would demand a personal contribu- 
tion on his part which his business cannot afford. Already he 
lias sacrified more than ought to have been required on behalf of 
the welfare of the community, and further insistence by his 
fellow-citizens would savor somewhat of ingratitude for what 
he has accomplished for us. 

'Our debt to William Kettner is larger than any we owe to 
any political influence working for the common good. U3ually 
material results from political sources are favors bestowed by 
appropriations expended in partisan or personal interest — in the 
nature of reward rather than disbursement of public funds for 
the common weal. Throughout his term of office Mr. Kettner 
has asked no special favor of Congress; on the contrary, he has 
given more than he received. He was a profitable agent between 
the federal government and an opportunity of which the govern- 
ment was unaware or of which it was negligent. In any event, 
it was Mr. Kettner who hastened action that may have been con- 
templated but was in abeyance for any reason. 

'The qualities that have contributed to the success of Mr. 
Kettner in his representative capacity are those which constitute 
the ideal of public spirit in citizenship. Honesty of purpose was 
the first requisite, and it was a realization of this purpose that 
induced Mr. Kettner to accept the high responsibility which his 
fellow-citizens desired to place upon him. He felt that as a 
citizen of San Diego and this section of Southern California he 
could aid in this way the progress and development of a region 
that for the time was not fairly in competition with communities 
offering inferior regions upon the favor bestov/ed by the gov- 
ernment. He knew the value to all concerned that would accrue 
from wise and necessary development of resources and advan- 
tages already augmenting under the effort and enterprise of the 
community purpose. He formulated this purpose, and it was 
accepted upon its intrinsic merit. It was clearly a business prop- 

[169] 



osition for mutual profit, and Mr. Kettner was endowed with 
the peculiar ability to handle it. 

'Fidelity to the public interest has been another of the qual- 
ities that have strengthened the prestige of Mr. Kettner as a rep- 
resentative. His colleagues in Congress were not slow to learn 
and appreciate the broad view of public affairs which characterized 
Mr. Kettner's outlook upon national questions and issues. Con- 
sequently he was always able to convince those with whom he 
labored of his disinterestedness, his fairness, his probity and his 
trustworthiness in every contingency and emergency. Shrewdly 
cognizant of the self-interest of other men he was always able 
to win to his own goal by direct means and the candor of an 
honest conscience sustained by an unwavering confidence in the 
rectitude of his proposition in every transaction. 

'This is the Congressional record of William Kettner, and we, 
his fellow-citizens, are as proud of it as he has every right to be. 
He has served us faithfully and with the utmost ability. We re- 
gret for our own sake that we are deprived of his representative 
support; but we appreciate the urgency of his personal reasons 
for declining our request. We welcome him back, therefore, to 
the intimacy of our citizenship, assuring him of the universal 
gratitude we feel for the inestimable service he has rendered at 
so much personal cost.' " 

Editorial page "The San Diego Sun", March 11, 
1921: 

(By W. H. P.) 

"Washington, March 11. — We pay for congressmen $7500 
the year, I understand, and probably that's all some of them are 
worth. Indeed, judging by the conduct of some would-be states- 
men, of whom I chanced to learn, I should think that the wage 
scale for congressmen might be scaled down to advantage. 

But the congressmen's union has fixed the scale at $7500 re- 
gardless of hours or results. Very often you hear some unre- 
lenting employer utter a loud and raucous wail over the rule of 
certain labor unions which demand that all members of that craft 
shall be paid alike regardless of what they do. 

'I'd like to know why we can't pay our workmen according 
to the amount of work they do?' You've heard this wail repeat- 
edly, I'm sure. 

Well, to such inquiring souls hereafter I'm going to reply 
with all the sarcasm I can command: 

'The idea's a splendid one, let's make it applicable to con- 
gressmen as well as bricklayers!' 

Under this arrangement the eleventh California district would 
be strictly up against it of course, but I guess we want to be fair 
do we not? 

There is a certain northeastern district whose congressman 
answered nearly every roll call last session, but a 19 year old 
bank clerk would have been quite as valuable to his district and 
these United States. He should be paid accordingly. 

Then there is Brudder Bill Kettner, of whose work I claim 
to know a ver3% very little. I think he would pull down about 

[170] 



$50,000 dollars net besides a six-cylinder car, a first-class chauf- 
feur and two really good secretaries. That's about where you 
and I rate Bill. 

I tried to follow him around for two or three days. It will 
take me three months to get back to normalcy. Bill says his 
blood pressure is high — I'll say it is — about 400 pounds per 
square inch. He said he was sort of laying off the past few days 
on my account, but from 8 o'clock A. M. till long after any decent 
citizen's bedtime Bill was hitting on all six and never missing a 
beat that I could hear. 

It reminded me of an old cowboy song I learned in my pirate 
days: 'It's first to the ale house and then to the dance house.' 
etc. — you know how it went — not exactly Sunday school language 
some of it. 

Well, with Bill 'It's first to the navy department and then to 
the interior department, and then to the Indian agent and then 
to the war department and then to the treasury department and 
then back to the navy and then to his office to quiet his worried 
secretary, viewing with alarm an ever increasing accumulation of 
mail. 

'You see', said Bill's secretary to me today. 'I was educated 
for the law, and it is awfully hard for me to understand Mr. 
Kettner — he moves so fast while I am more deliberate.' 

It's a delight to watch Bill in action if one is thoroughly 
rested beforehand, just as it is interesting to visit a factory in 
working hours. But I wouldn't undertake Bill Kettner's job of 
my own free will for any compensation I know anything about 
at the present moment. 

A lot of folks back home realize that Bill is a tremendous 
'result getter', but they wonder whether he is very 'well known' 
in Washington. The other day I presented myself at the door 
of the House Ofiice building and asked the way to room 237. 

Now the House Office building is about the size and shape 
of Point Loma from Mme Tingley's rest cure out to the Spanish 
light, and there are 475 Congressmen and innumerable stenogra- 
phers, secretaries and attaches of one sort and another. 

But what did that old veteran of a doorkeeper say when I 
call the magic number '237'? 

He looked up and smiled and said: 'You want Bill Kettner 
I guess. Bill Kettner of San Diego,' he soliloquized while I 
swelled with pride, 'and', he added, 'Mr. Kettner has just come 
in — been over to the Navy department, I guess.' 

I'm telling you, good people, that any man, whether his chris- 
tian name be Bill or Napoleon, who can get that sort of attention 
out of a doorkeeper is something more than an insurance agent 
in the finest town out of doors — he's a wonder and you can lay 
to that, as 'Long John' Silver would say. 

And now Bill has gone back home, or will have gone by the 
time this letter reaches you, just because he couldn't afford to 
stay in Washington, and everybody's feeling sorry and all that, 
but I want to tell you again and I don't know whether it will get 
across or not, because this is a pretty bum typewriter and a poor 
light — but I want to say that I'm just glad Bill is going to staj' 
back home with us for a time because — 

[171] 



First: It will give us a chance to get acquainted with one 
of the finest men ever chopped out, and 

Second: It will show the young men of San Diego that 
all this loose talk about congressmen making 'money on the 
side,' etc.. doesn't apply to one congressman, and his name is 
BILL WILLIAM KETTNER. 

Personally I don't think it applies very much, anyhow. I 
believe that the vast majority of congressmen are honest, high- 
minded men, not always particularly clever or particularly indus- 
trious, but honest and sincerely patriotic, and that's another 
reason why I'm glad I'm an American." 

Editorial page "The San Diego Union", March 11, 
1921: 

"Kettner's Record. 

WILLIAM KETTNER, who for eight years has represented 
the Eleventh district in Congress, returns to a constituency grate- 
fully appreciative of all that he has accomplished on behalf of their 
special interests, and proud of the record he has made in the general 
legislation upon national affairs. 

Seldom has any community the good fortune to procure a repre- 
sentative as thoroughly identified with the spirit, purpose, and ma- 
terial requirements of the whole people as this district has found 
in William Kettner. Elected nominally as a Democrat in the first 
instance, it was immediately apparent that his partisanship was en- 
tirely subordinate to his citizenship; and when he came forward a 
second time the only question in the minds of the voters irrespec- 
tive of political predilection and affiliations was 'Has he served us 
faithfully?' They answered that question with a conclusive and 
satisfying affirmative at the polls, not once but thrice, and they would 
have answered again and again if Mr. Kettner had allowed his name 
to be used in the ballotting. 

San Diego has benefitted immeasurably through the exertions 
of Mr. Kettner. He has procured for this city and harbor due and 
legitimate recognition in the councils of the nation. This he has 
accomplished, not by political trading, collusion, and the intrigue 
common in legislative affairs; but by the orderly presentation of 
convincing evidence that this port is an essential and component ac- 
cessory of the naval policy of the government. No doubt in the 
course of years this recognition would eventually have been accorded, 
probablv under pressure of exterior necessity; the delay was ob- 
viated by the energetic action of Mr. Kettner, and San Diego may 
credit him with doing in this generation what might have been post- 
poned into the next one. 

So far as the establishment of a naval base at the extremity 
of the Pacific line of National defense is concerned, the intention 
is entirely logical in any naval policy that might be adopted. 
Bremerton, San Francisco and San Diego are the three salients 
of our western coast — three natural sites at convenient distances 
for every purpose. Yet in spite of this obvious relation of Sap 
Diego and its harbor to the general scheme of our naval activi- 
ties in the Pacific, there were formidable obstacles to the accept- 

[ 172 ] 



1 



ance of San Diego as one of the factors in the proposition. Rival 
interests representing other communities were busy; economical 
considerations were constantly urged by those whose constitu- 
encies were not immediately interested in the national policy; 
and there was always the laggard disposition of the departments 
and congress itself which counsels putting off until tomorrow 
what ought to done today. Against these impediments Mr. Kett- 
ner argued and maneuvered successfully, winning much by sheer 
personality and more by the clear logic of his propositions. 

Whatever history may be written of San Diego in the future 
must contain a chapter of generous proportions based on what 
has been accomplished for San Diego by William Kettner as con- 
gressman." 

Editorial in "The San Diego Sun", March 11, 1921 : 

"Welcome Home, Bill. 

Bill Kettner is back home again, and being greeted by his 
hundreds of personal friends here. You may have heard of Bill. 
He's the fellow who has been down at Washington for some 
moons, putting San Diego on the map. 

Bill has a pretty good looking map fixed up now, so he came 
home to get back in the harness of his own business again, and 
forget the cares of state. 

Bill, while away, woke up Uncle Sam to the fact that he was 
overlooking the best spot for governmental activities on this 
coast, and while doing a good turn for the country, he did one 
for the town, too. 

Bill is San Diego's first citizen, bar none, and he will con- 
tinue to occupy this niche in the local hall of fame as long as he 
sticks around with us. 

It doesn't do any harm, at all, to tell a fellow he has made 
good. It sounds better than the flowers look, when he can't see 
'em, after he has departed this life. Most people save their 
bouquets until then. 

We want to suggest that when you see Bill Kettner, whether 
you know him or not, stop him and shake his hand and tell him 
we're all for him. This is the least we can do to repay him for 
the sacrifiices of business and health he has made for us. 

Howdy, Bill. Welcome Home!" 



"Fred A. Britten 

9th District of Illinois 

House of Representatives U. S. 

Washington, D. C. 

March 7th, 1921. 
Honorable William Kettner, 

San Diego, Calif., 
My dear 'Bill' : 

I am in receipt of your newspaper clipping from San Diego, 
and also found several packages of sardines on my desk after 

[173] 



I returned to my office from a nine days' illness, being on my back 
with the 'flu' which left me in a weakened condition. 

You dear old pal, you are always thinking of your friends and 
wondering how you can do something for them, and I am indeed 
sorry that it could not have been my pleasure to be around the 
office during the last week of the outgoing Administration, in 
order at least to see you again and to say good bye to you and 
your charming wife. 

I will have to content myself with a letter for the time being 
and the hope that some day in the near future, I may have an 
opportunity to come to San Diego once more and there renew 
our very pleasant friendship of the past. 

San Diego will miss you much on the Committee on Naval 
Affairs, but the Members of the Committee, who have been work- 
ing with you during the past eight years, will miss you and your 
advice much more and I am wondering who can take your place 
as a Representative from the great State of California. 

Mrs. Britten joins me in a world of good wishes to you both, 
as well as to our many mutual friends in San Diego. 

Yours very cordially, Fred." 



"Committee on Ways and Means 
House of Representatives, 

Washington, D. C, March, 1921. 
Hon. William Kettner, 

San Diego, California. 
Dear 'Bill' : 

The clipping from your home paper is received and I will 
say this that people back home do not appreciate you any more 
than those who will miss you in Washington. You some way 
have the happy faculty of making yourself a necessary part of 
the community where you are and Congress has too few of that 
kind of fellows. Most of us are self-centered and tied up with 
our own matters and fail to appreciate the things and people 
around us. You are not one of these, but have alwaj-^s had a 
happy, pleasant word and smile for the other fellow. It means 
a lot in life and our loss is the gain of your home people. 

Just remember that we think of you and some time hope 
again to clasp the hand of a whole-souled fellow named 'Bill', 
either in San Diego or in some other good climate. With best 
wishes to the wife from Mrs. Frear and myself and with many 
happy remembrances, I am 

Sincerely yours, James A. Frear." 



"San Diego Chamber of Commerce 
Broadway and Second Street 

San Diego, California 
'The Harbor of Opportunity' 
William Kettner, November 29, 1922. 

334 Spreckels Bldg., San Diego, Calif. 
My dear Billie : 

I received your letter of November 27th, containing a final report 
of the Army and Navy Committee. 

[174] 



Permit me to tell you that the report is so good that you are 
appointed chairman of the committee again this year; and request is 
made of you to appoint your own committee. Please let me have the 
names of the people that you would like to have on the committee. 

San Diego owes you a debt of thanks, as well as a debt of hun- 
dreds of dollars that you have put into the work yourself ; they rea- 
lize fully the time that you devote to this work, and the expense to 
yourself. Any community would be proud of a citizen like you; one 
who has a sincere interest in the future of the community in which 
he lives, and not only has the interest, but is willing to give up his 
time to improve the community itself. We are very fortunate that 
3'ou have the heartfelt interest in the Army and Navy that you have, 
and are willing to give your very best to them. I know our Board 
of Directors feels exactly the same way, and I sincerely hope that 
you will be able to keep up the good work. 

Very truly yours, 

Jay Gould." 



"San Diego Chamber of Commerce 
Broadway and Second Street 

San Diego, California 
'The Harbor of Opportunity' 

October 21, 1923. 
Mr. William Kettner, 
San Diego, 
Calif. 
My dear Billie : 

I have recently learned of your intention to record in writing the 
interesting events that occurred during your term as Congressman of 
the United States. I will look forward with pleasure to the day 
when I may have the opportunity of reading one of the copies of 
your book. 

The host of friends that you have made during your life will 
read with intense interest the record of your life as a Congressman. 
San Diegans, particularly, will enjoy the words which 5'ou set down 
in writing because of their association with the splendid achievement 
which you gained while representing our city. 

The Government activities located in San Diego are in the main 
the result of, not alone your ability, initiative and tact, but as well, 
your imagination. It has been said that all men are very much 
alike, except those who have imagination and foresight. The people 
of San Diego are thankful to you that you could picture for them 
the dreams that could be made to come true on the shores of San 
Diego Bay, as well as within the confines of the city. It is onlj' 
natural that you have gained their everlasting love and affection. 

Sincerely yours, 
EBG-R E. B. Gould." 



[175] 



OUR RETURN HOME 



After reading this record one well might ask why I 
should have decided to retire from Congressional life, 
I will admit frankly that I enjoyed it; I might say more, 
I loved it ; but there are two kinds of Congressmen. One 
goes to Washington and is contented to watch things, 
live in the outskirts of the city and make the most of 
life. The other one is what might be termed a mixer. 
He meets all the members of the Senate and House, en- 
tertains and is entertained. He is one that accomplishes 
things for his people, but this costs money and he is un- 
able to live on the salary he receives from the govern- 
ment. 

I presume I would be classed in the latter group, as 
I spent a large sum for entertainment of members of 
official life in Washington as well as for people from my 
district who visited that city and wished to see the sights. 

There is nothing more pathetic than the man who 
has been in Congress for a number of years, when he 
realizes that he has grown old, without having been able 
to save anything, and of course not laying the founda- 
tions of any business to which he could return when he 
was no longer needed. The insurance business of which 
I was half owner was paying me $66 a month, and I felt 
that it was my duty to my wife and to myself to return 
and establish a permanent income that would at least keep 
us self-respecting. 

SILVER SET. 

Shortly after my return from the Congress, the 
Chamber of Commerce of San Diego tendered me a re- 
ception at Balboa Park, which I shall never forget. At 
the conclusion Mrs. Kettner and I were presented with 

[176] 



a beautiful silver set with the following inscription en- 
graved on the tray: 

"Honorable and Mrs. William Kettner 

an affectionate welcome home 

and in appreciation of eight years untiring service in 

The United States Congress 

San Diego Chamber of Commerce 

March 23rd, 1921." 



"San Diego, March 23, 1921. 
My dear Mr. and Mrs. Kettner: 

It would be a great pleasure for me to join with others this 
evening at the reception in your honor, but preparations for 
leaving town tomorrow are preventing me. 

I beg to send this word of congratulation and welcome to 
you both. Your fine public service in Washington deserves a 
great tribute, from the citizens of San Diego, and you may feel 
assured that their expressions of appreciation and gratitude are 
very sincere. 

Mrs. Marston, who is now in Berkeley, where I am also 
going for a few days, would join with me in this greeting if she 
were here. 

Trusting that your home staying will be most happy and 
prosperous, believe me, 

Alost cordially yours, 

George W. Marston." 



Speeches Presenting Silver Service to William and 
Marion Kettner. 
Senator Leroy Wright : 

"We have very little formal exercises tonight, but brother 
Bledsoe of the Federal Court is going to say a few words and then 
we are going to have a presentation to which we will all be de- 
lighted to listen. 

I know you are very happy tonight and you would be much 
happier if you could give expression to what is in your hearts. 
It is a great triumph for Bill Kettner and this entire district. 
It has come, in my opinion, when he has reached the greatest 
peak in his life. 

When a man can go away and take the bumps of public life 
and then return to private citizenship with a smile on his face, 
and a hearty welcome from every one of his constituents, I think 
it should be the happiest hour of any man's life. 

I now take pleasure in presenting to you. Judge Bledsoe of 
the Federal ourt of this District who will speak for the constitu- 
ency outside of the City of San Diego, and if he should say a 
word for the people of San Diego — that is all right." 

[177] 



Judge Benjamin F. Bledsoe : 

"The Senator was very frank in his statement that I would 
speak for a few minutes and then you would hear something 
you would really enjoy. It reminds me of a chairman who said 
to the speaker of the evening — 'Shall I introduce you now or 
shall I let them enjoy themselves a little longer?' 

But what I say will be short and to the point. 

Next to Bill Kettner I am the best friend San Diego ever 
had. For two reasons: 

I am now serving you by relieving you of some undesirable 
citizens, through the Court, but more than that because I was 
the best friend of the city some years ago. 

In the summer of 1912 when William Kettner came to San 
Bernardino to ask me to run for the Congress, I said to him — 
I will not run, but Bill you will HAVE to run. I leave it to 
you if I did not confer the greatest benefit this city has ever had 
conferred upon it, by urging him to run for Congress. 

I shall always associate the name of Bill with Kettner and 
the name of Kettner with Bill, — the bill that you owe to Bill 
Kettner for what he has done for this city and which you can 
never repay. The good things that have come to San Diego as 
a result of his going to Congress are so numerous we cannot 
count them. I have seen him in action back there; I have cam- 
paigned with him and heard him talk. He says he is not much 
of a campaigner when it comes to speeches, but I say he is a 
mighty good campaigner when it comes to votes. I have seen 
him in Washington attending your business and I have never 
seen him shirk or soldier on the job. 

Stand any where on the high places of your city and you 
will be able to see the evidences of Bill Kettner's unswerving, 
intensive, insistent, loyal support of the people back home. You 
have but to look down over our bay to see what Bill Kettner 
has done for you and your city. 

I want to say this of him. He is one man that I know of 
who has gone from California and every man in Washington he 
has met is his friend and every one he has left here and come 
back to is his friend. 

The French have a very wise and witty saying, my friend 
Judge Daney knows and if he were not here, and not such a good 
French scholar I would attempt to deliver it in the original, but 
as he is here I will not attempt to say it in French. It is to the 
effect that where a man has done anything whether it is good, 
bad or otherwise, to look for the woman. 

While we sing praises to Bill Kettner I want to tell you that 
the one who has served to make it possible by her serving along 
with him, and her devotion to him and to your interests, and her 
ever-present attendance there when she was needed for the fur- 
therance of your interests and her own contribution to Bill's 
great fund of good sense is Mrs. Bill Kettner. In his presence 
I say that I love her for what she is and what she has done for 
this district through him. I believe in giving a word of praise 
to our friends while they are present and in the mood to enjoy 
it and appreciate it. From the bottom of my heart, with all my 
integrity of manhood, I say — Bill Kettner has served California 

[178] 



better than any individual has ever served her in the Halls of 
Congress." 

Senator Wright: 

"I now take pleasure in presenting to you Mr. Carl Heilbron. 

Mr. Carl Heilbron : 

"Friends and Neighbors. Bill and Marion. 

I have the pleasant privilege given me of expressing for 
myself and many friends present here tonight, and the many 
thousands who would like to have been here tonight, in my feeble 
way what I feel is in the hearts of all who have the pleasure of 
knowing Bill Kettner and his charming wife Marion. 

We are here to express to Mrs. and Mr. Kettner our appre- 
ciation of the eight years of hard, devoted, loving, efficient and 
steadfast service he has rendered the people of this Congressional 
district, but more particularly the people of dear old San Diego 
that Bill loves so well. 

I wish that I could express the words that are wellmg up 
in our hearts here, that sincere love and affection,— that deep 
regard, that gratitude which we hold for him and Mrs Kettner. 

Judge Bledsoe has told you of the feeling of the people out- 
side of San Diego and San Diego County. Perhaps you are not 
aware that Bill Kettner stands just as high in the northern and 
western parts of his district as he does here, and when Judge 
Bledsoe told you that in his opinion Bill Kettner had rendered 
the most marked service of any man who had gone from Cali- 
fornia to the Halls of Congress, I am sure you all know he 
speaks the truth. 

Bill has made a wonderful record for himself back in Wash- 
ington and commanded the respect and esteem of everyone with 
whom he came in contact. It was my pleasure to visit him before 
he had been back there six months. He was better known in 
Washington in those six months than many others who had been 
there for six, eight, and ten years. Half a block away men of 
high standing would hail him as — 'Bill.' I know of actual knowl- 
edge that Bill Kettner won the high regard and esteem of all. 
Why! Congressmen, Senators, and Members of the Cabinet, 
Navy officers and others were friends of Bill Kettner; every one 
was glad to give him a helping hand and help to put the things 
through that he was putting through for San Diego. 

The mark of a great man is his modesty. And his is the 
modesty of a man who has stood in the Rotary Club, the Cham- 
ber of Commerce; the Ad Club and other places and given the 
credit to others. We have heard him say that the credit was 
due to the Chamber of Commerce, to that man, or this man, 
with never a word about himself. We listened, but deep down 
in our hearts we knew to whom the credit was due. And here 
tonight we acknowledge that to you and to you alone is credit 
due for the things that have come to San Diego for the last 
eight years. I don't want you to think for a minute that I wish 
to belittle the efiforts of our splendid Chamber of Commerce or 
our city, but without Bill Kettner back in Washington, San 
Diego would look much as it did eight years ago. 

And, as Judge Bledsoe said— if you want to see the fruits 

[179] 



of his capable work, they are apparent everywhere in San Diego, 
and you can look on the leng^th and breadth of our Bay and 
there you can see what Bill Kettner means to San Diego, and 
then you will understand when we say we love him. We mean it. 

Bill and Marion, these good people, out of the depths of their 
hearts; out of that sincere and high regard which they have, and 
feel, and will continue to feel, are here tonight to tender a little 
token of their high regard. We don't want you to accept it as a 
reward for services rendered, — for the value of your services to 
this city could not be measured — it is just an evidence that we do 
hold a real love and regard for you and for Mrs. Kettner, which 
is given expression here tonight and is in the heart and mind of 
every man, woman and child in San Diego and San Diego county. 

We love Bill Kettner we love Marion Kettner — and we 
wish them all the happiness that can come to them all the rest 
of their lives and we hope we may have the pleasure of having 
them with us many, many long years so we can show them that 
our regard is deep and everlasting." 

Mr. Heilbron turned to the silver service, vyhich Mr. Kettner 
gathered up in his arms. Senator Wright said — "He wants to 
show it to you good people." Mr. Kettner remained motionless, 
with tears in his eyes. 

William Kettner: 

"Friends: 

Seneca, the Roman said 'In viewing the gift we should also 
look at the giver.' A modern writer says that we like the gift 
if we prize the giver. I think there is no one here tonight but 
knows I prize the giver, and I am also speaking for my good wife. 

I only hope and pray that the Good Lord in his wisdom will 
give us both strength and foresight to continue our work for the 
city and the people that we love. We have not stopped. As I 
stated to my friend, Senator Wright, we have no children and 
our happiness is in serving, and if we are given health I know 
we will prove to you, or we will at least try to show our appre- 
ciation for what you have always done to hold up our hands, 
to help us, to assist us. 

I cannot say much tonight. My friend Carl always takes 
me off my feet, and linked with good friend Judge Bledsoe's 
remarks, it is a little too much for us, but we will prove by our 
actions how we feel. That is all— unless the little girl wants to 
say a word of thanks to our friends." 

Marion Kettner: 

"Friends: 

This is a little embarrassing to me. I don't make speeches 
in public. 

(Mr. Kettner — 'Mrs. Kettner always tells me what to say 
and do and I do it.') 

I am like the tail of the comet. I am the little trail of light 
that goes on behind. Really, there is nothing to thank me for, 
as I have just done my duty to the best of my abilit3^ That is all. 

We feel now that we are under obligation to San Diego, and 
will try to repay that debt bv doing the thing we love to do, and 
that is to work for San Diego." 

[180] 



CONCLUSION 



The reader may think that I am trying to take undue 
credit for the different activities started in my district. 
I want to assure him I am not. For all the things ac- 
complished during my eight years in the Congress I want 
to give credit : 

To my good wife, Mrs. Marion Kettner. 

To the different Chambers of Commerce in my dis- 
trict, who have backed me up so strongly. I have had 
the honor and pleasure of serving in some form myself, 
mostly as a director, for our own San Diego Chamber 
of Commerce since 1908, and I cannot give too much 
credit to the following men, presidents of the San Diego 
Chamber of Commerce, under whom I have served and 
who, without doubt, have done a large share of the work 
of making San Diego the city it is today : 

1908 D. C. CoUier. 

1909 G. A. Davidson. 

1910 George Burnham. 

1911 John F. Forward, Jr. 

1912 F. C. Spalding. 

1913 F. J. Lea. 

1914 Rufus Choate. 

1915 Carl H. Heilbron. 

1916 John S. Akerman. 

1917 W. S. Dorland. 
1918-19 Melville Klauber. 
1920 A. P. Johnson, Jr. 
1921-22 E. B. Gould, Jr. 

To my secretaries, in which I have been very fortu- 
nate. My correspondence at one time during the war 

[181] 



averaged close to 100 letters a day and even now I meet 
people everywhere who thank me for the prompt an- 
swers and service rendered to them wherever it was pos- 
sible while I was their servant. 

To my good friends, who gave of their time and 
thought to look after my personal interests at home. 
Among these I give prominent place to Mr. Mat F. 
Heller. 

To the newspapers who have supported me through- 
out my political career and given publicity to public mat- 
ters at crucial times. 

To my California colleagues in Congress, both Sen- 
ators and Representatives. 

To the committees and individuals who have pro- 
vided the hospitality and entertainment that is mentioned 
so often in letters inserted in this record. Can one won- 
der that I love my people. 

To my 260-odd postmasters I want to extend a word 
of thanks for their loyalty to the government. Out of 
that large number one would naturally expect that there 
might be some trouble, but their records were good and 
I am proud of every one of them. A great many have 
become my warm, intimate friends. 

"Post Office Department 
First Assistant Postmaster General 
Washington 
Hon. William Kettner, July 30, 1915. 

San Diego, California. 
Dear Mr. Kettner: 

I have just returned to my office and hasten to write you this 
note. Never in my life have I had a more pleasant trip than the one 
which I have just completed, and one of the best spots in the journey 
is the very courteous and considerate treatment which you gave to 
me and Mr. Baker. 

I saw your District as I could not otherwise have seen it and 
have a clearer conception of the problems with which the postal 
service must deal, and I hope that I shall thereby be more effective 
in cooperating with vou in maintaining the present high degree of 
efficiency which I believe the service has already reached in your 
section of California. The condition of the quarters and the char- 
acter of postmasters in your Congressional District impressed me 

[182] 



most favorably. You evidently took extreme care to select your 
men and those whom I saw are responding splendidly to the recom- 
mendations which you gave to the Department concerning them. 

If one's happiness is measured in this world by the happiness 
he puts into it — and this is my conviction — you should be a mighty 
happy man. It was most pleasing to me, but by no means surpris- 
ing, to observe the marked confidence which your people through- 
out the District have in you, and I am sure that you Vyfill continue 
to grow in their esteem as they know you more intimatelj'. 

Again thanking you for the many courtesies and looking for- 
ward to seeing you and Mrs. Kettner next winter, I am, with kindest 
regards, 

Sincerely yours, 

(Signed) D.vniel C. Roper." 

In conclusion I wish to repeat the old saying in 
Washington, that "he who serves his people loyally and 
conscientiously and expects a reward while he is living 
will die of a broken heart." 

I am very happy indeed to say that these words are 
not applicable to me. My people — as I have always 
termed them — have treated me and mine so well 
and generously that I have nothing but thanks and good 
wishes for them. I wish to assure them that I am re- 
ceiving rewards for my work every day. 

No one can accomplish anything by himself. My 
people have always given me their heartiest support and 
what little I have been able to do has been through the 
co-operation received from them. 



[183] 



INDEX 

Additional District Judge and early appointments.... 28 

Announcement not to run again 167 

Appointment to Naval Committee 108 

Appointment on Rivers and Harbors Committee...... 25 

Camp Kearny 73 

Coaling' Station and Fuel Oil Station 21 

Conclusion 181 

Concrete Shipyard 63 

Co-operation Necessary on Pacific Coast 118 

Customs Collection District 105 

First Home-coming 19 

Fort Rosecrans 41 

Harbor Appropriations 12 

Imperial County 120 

Introduction 9 

Investigating Commissions — 

Helm Report Ill 

McKean Report 115 

Congressional Commission 116 

Rodman Commission 117 

Kelp Maps 34 

Labor 139 

Marine Railway 66 

Miscellaneous Appreciations 156 

Miscellaneous Matters 142 



Mono and Inyo Counties 130 

Naval Hospital 101 

Naval Training Station 60 

Naval Warehouse '^ 

North Island 77 

Orange County 131 

Pensions and War Risk Insurance 141 

Preface ' 

Radio Station 46 

Re-christening of California 32 

Return Home 1^" 

Riverside County 125 

San Bernardino County 133 

San Diego Exposition 36 

Second Election 40 

Second Marine Advance Base 52 

Tarifif 26 

Wm. G. McAdoo and S. D. & Ariz. R. R 49 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



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